"India Should Consider Playing Overseas T20 Leagues": Stephen Fleming In Aftermath Of T20 World Cup Performance

Former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming has said that BCCI should consider letting ace Indian players play in overseas T20 leagues, especially the Caribbean Premier League, keeping in mind the next T20 World Cup, in the aftermath of their unceremonious exit from the ICC T20 World Cup 2022.

Something that BCCI has been adamant about since launching the Indian Premier League in 2008 is that none of its central or domestic cricketers will play in any foreign T20 leagues. The BCCI does not allow its players to ply trades in overseas leagues, something that was badly exposed in the T20 World Cup semi-final.

Those cricketers who wish to play in such leagues, need to retire from Indian and IPL cricket something which the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Unmukt Chand, Suresh Raina, etc have done.

“It may be something to consider when you listen to the commentators talk about Hales and his experience at the ground (Adelaide Oval). It seems like a number of these players who are playing around the world are getting really important experience from playing these domestic tournaments that they can then tap into and feel a lot more comfortable,” Fleming told ESPNCricinfo.

Indian batters’ slow approach in the Powerplay while struggling to adapt to Australian conditions, came to the fore as they managed 38 for 1 in the first six overs. It was only due to Hardik Pandya’s quickfire cameo that India could manage a par score of 168 for 6.

You Look At The CPL Which Becomes More Important With The Next World Cup Being There In The Caribbean: Stephen Fleming

Stephen Fleming said that If BCCI lets the Indian players, especially the next generation of cricketers participate in foreign T20 leagues, they can gain valuable experience of playing in different conditions and surfaces which may aid them in future ICC events.

He took the example of the next T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA and said it would not be a bad idea for the Indians to consider playing there.

He said: “You look at the CPL which becomes more important with the next World Cup being there in the Caribbean, and how many players can you get put into that tournament to get an idea of conditions. It is an advantage. Young players maybe more so than the guys who have been a bit longer in the tooth. Bairstow is a great example. They can still keep getting better because you keep learning from these environments.

Things are done in a different way in different parts of the world. So if you keep bolting, it’s like upgrading your phone. Every time you plug it in and get an upgrade you get another new tool.”  

India coach Rahul Dravid had admitted that Jos Buttler and Alex Hales’ BBL experience came in handy for England in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Mark Wood Doubtful For Final Against Pakistan