Jaffer also suggested the BCCI to get away with Duleep Trophy.
Former opener Wasim Jaffer has joined the bandwagon of cricketers who have supported Indian players’ participation in overseas leagues.
See Also: Wasim Jaffer named Uttarakhand’s new head coach for 2020-21 domestic season
Jaffer feels BCCI should allow those Indian players to compete in foreign leagues who are not centrally contracted.
“It completely makes sense to me. If you are not one of the centrally contracted players then one should be allowed. The board can minimize and reduce it to one or two leagues in which the players can participate but not letting any Indian player play anything other than IPL is a bit strict in my opinion," Jaffer said in an interaction on Sports Tiger’s show ‘Off the Field’ hosted by Vedant Sharma.
Jaffer, who represented India in 31 Tests and 2 ODIs, also recalled the time when he was about to make a comeback on the international scene, if not for Shikhar Dhawan's inclusion at the top of the order.
“In 2012-13, I was very close to getting selected when Shikhar Dhawan got selected. So, I came very close a couple of times but somehow I missed the bus.” He also added, “The selectors are the best people who can answer that but I definitely kept knocking the door.”
“I wasn't that consistent. If I was, I would have played more than 100 Test matches. I was not that consistent at the international level that is why I got dropped. I am famous for my first-class career more than the international cricket that I have played.”
Commenting on India’s domestic structure, Jaffer said: “Our domestic structure as compared to the other countries isn’t bad, to be honest. We just need a little bit more continuity as every year we keep on changing the structure.”
“I feel the season should start in October with the Ranji Trophy. It should be ideally followed by the Irani Trophy and after that, a T20 tournament like Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy can be put in place as it is the time when the auction happens. A number of franchise people can see the tournament and scout new talent. Finally, finish the season with Vijay Hazare Trophy,” he further remarked.
“I feel we can get away with Duleep Trophy and it’s about time that we don’t play Duleep Trophy and use that one and a half months to give the players a little more break.”