Former India leg-spinner Anil Kumble reckons following Yuvraj Singh's ways, a lot more of country's players should be participating in overseas T20 leagues as that would mean an immense growth in popularity of those tournaments as well as betterment of the talented youngsters plying their trade in such competitions.
Yuvraj, who retired from international cricket in June, has received a NOC from BCCI and will be seen playing in Global Canada T20 League as a marquee player for Toronto Nationals. The tournament begins in Brampton from July 25 and culminates on August 11.
Speaking at the sidelines of inaugural Euro T20 Slam draft to IANS, Kumble, a board member of the advisory committee, said Yuvraj being picked for the GLT20 was a welcome development and raises hopes for other leagues.
"Yes, I feel that is something the BCCI will look at, but currently there are certain restrictions. But having said that, you know people like Yuvi have got the permission to go and play (in Global T20)," Kumble said.
"So, I don’t see any issue if some of these players want to go and play, but the BCCI will have to give them NOC. At this point in time, it is good to have someone like Yuvi play in the leagues and in the future you will perhaps see more players from India participating in the leagues."
"One is to get the experience of the player in the league and the second is the following that the Indian player has back home and that is massive. Any player from India gets massive support, the Indian team gets massive support across the world."
"So, the following of the league and their heroes is massive. And in that sense it is a big moment if any Indian player plays in these leagues. Yuvi playing in different leagues apart from the IPL will be followed as well."
Kumble also gave away the reason why he decided to associate himself with Euro T20 Slam, stressing Ireland is now a full member and Scotland, Netherlands are leading associates and this league would help further develop and promote the game in Europe.
"For me the development of cricket in this region is what attracted me. I know there are a lot of T20 leagues that have cropped up, but I feel the development of Europe and Ireland being a Full Member now and having Test status is something that attracted me."
"I think that is something people want to see, we have seen over different competitions. Also, the closeness of competing against the tougher teams so to speak is a lot narrower and the difference between teams is very narrow. So, you will also see the odd result that doesn’t go as per expectation. That is why I feel this format is something that helps in growing the game," he explained.
"It is a great platform for exchange of ideas and talent. For any youngster across the globe to get to interact with the icons is a blessing and to rub shoulders with them. Also for teams like Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands, it is as good as gold."
"The youngsters will benefit from playing against and with the icons. To know how the experienced campaigners adapt to certain situations, you cannot learn that from coaches," Anil signed off.
