Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow more Indian players to play in foreign T20 leagues. He believes that the experience of playing with international players will prove to be extremely useful for Indian players and will bring maturity in their game.
Shastri said that just as the IPL has taken Indian cricket to new heights, playing in foreign leagues will give players a chance to learn new thinking, new techniques and a different environment.
Currently, the BCCI does not allow its active Indian players to play in any foreign T20 league. Players can participate in foreign leagues only if they are retiring from all formats (Test, ODI, T20) and have obtained an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the board.
Shastri stressed on changing this policy, saying that while there is no dearth of talent in India, not everyone gets a place in the national team or the IPL. In such a situation, giving players the freedom to play in foreign leagues can be a step that will boost the careers of many young players.
Recently, India’s experienced off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin created history. He became the first top Indian cricketer to join the Big Bash League (BBL). He has signed with the Sydney Thunder franchise for the upcoming season.
Praising this move, Shastri said, ‘Such examples will inspire other players. If a player cannot make it to the Test team or does not have an A or B contract from the BCCI, then why should he be stopped from playing in the Big Bash or other leagues?’
