Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra called for a rule change in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He said that teams should be allowed to play a maximum of five foreign players in the playing XI.
Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been one of the most competitive cricket leagues across the globe. The Indian players along with foreign talents have helped the tournament achieve new heights.
However, since its inception in 2008, BCCI has allowed a maximum of four overseas players in the playing XI.
Now with the league expanding with the addition of two new franchises, there have been calls to increase the number of foreign players in the playing XI of the teams. Many have suggested that governing body should allow a maximum of 5 foreign players in the playing XI.
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Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra batted for teams to be allowed five overseas players in the playing XI. He highlighted that India doesn’t have a great depth of players and it’s not possible to have quality 100 Indian players.
"You are not going to get 70 Indians to play in the XI. Apart from that, you need two to three backups as well. From where will you get 100 Indians? You are not going to get 100 Indians. Unfortunately, India does not have that good depth, whatever we might be saying otherwise, we don't have that," Aakash Chopra said.
Aakash Chopra further pointed out Anil Kumble's words during the auction about the process being difficult this year. He claimed that quantity being there rather than quality is the main reason behind the inflated prices for some players.
"That is why Anil Kumble also said during the auction that it has become difficult - the quantity is there but not the quality. That is why inflated prices for a few people and then a lot of people going unsold because the money is not left," he said.
The IPL 2022 auction, which took place in Bengaluru, recently concluded with 204 players being sold to 10 different franchises and over INR 550 crores being spent. Although there’s no official confirmation, the tournament is likely to start on 27th March.
