BCCI responds to Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan on Indian cricketers playing in foreign T20 leagues

The topic of allowing the discarded Indian players to play in other foreign franchise leagues has been doing rounds for quite a long time now. The latest to open about this issue is the discarded world cup winning member in Suresh Raina and the former Indian all-rounder in Irfan Pathan.

In an Instagram session, both the southpaws requested to BCCI to allow the discarded Indian players who don’t have a central contract with the BCCI to take part in at least two foreign leagues which will do a world of good for those players.

I rejected 3 offers to serve for Jammu & Kahsmir-Irfan Pathan

The star Indian opener who retired from all forms of cricket last year revealed that he had 3 offers which includes an opportunity to play in the caribbean premier league when he was approached by the J&K ranji team and if had to play any of those leagues, he might not have played for J&K team.

I had offers from three leagues in my hand when I was approached for the Jammu and Kashmir team. The first one I won’t be taking their name, I had rejected them straightaway. The second was Carribean Premier League and I had their contract in my hands. Only thing was that I had to take permission and retire. The third was the T10 league. I was doing the rounds of the BCCI to understand what the rules were. But I felt there was no better offer than to serve Jammu and Kashmir cricket

The versatile left handed batsman Suresh Raina proposed an request in the chat session

I wish BCCI plans something with ICC or the franchises that Indian players who don’t have contract with the BCCI are allowed to play outside. At least allow us to play in two different foreign leagues. If we play quality cricket in terms of foreign leagues, then it would be good for us. All international players make a comeback by playing in all those leagues.

BCCI official responds to the request

When asked about the request placed by Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan, a BCCI official said that they don’t want to lose the exclusivity of IPL by allowing the non-contracted players to participate in the foreign leagues.

From the point of view of the board and the interests of Indian cricket, the intent is to ensure a system where the non-contracted players are able to command good value at the IPL auction. Exclusivity is the key