Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan bat for Indian cricketers’ participation in overseas T20 leagues

Raina and Irfan had a fascinating Instagram Live session on Saturday.

Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan | GettyOut-of-favour batsman Suresh Raina and former all-rounder Irfan Pathan on Saturday (May 9) batted for Indian cricketers’ participation in overseas T20 leagues.

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The duo feels BCCI should allow those Indian players to compete in foreign T20 leagues who are not in the national selection reckoning anymore.

"I wish BCCI plans something with ICC or the franchises that Indian players get to play foreign leagues. At least allow us to play in two different foreign leagues," Raina told Pathan during an Instagram Live session.

"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," he added.

BCCI’s rule suggests that any India cricketer who has not announced formal retirement from all forms of the game — domestic and international — isn’t eligible to take part in any overseas T20 league that competes with the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Last year, Yuvraj Singh called time on his international cricket career and subsequently featured in the Global Canada T20 League and Abu Dhabi T10 League for Toronto Nationals and Maratha Arabians respectively.

Sharing his two cents on this topic, Irfan said: "There is a different mindset in different countries. Michael Hussey made his debut at the age of 29 for Australia, an Indian player can never make his debut at the age of 30. I think as long as you are fit, you should be available to play for your country."

"I would suggest that all those players who are 30 years old and they are not on your radar to play international matches, you should allow them to play in foreign leagues," the all-rounder, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in January this year, further remarked.

 

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 10 May, 2020

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