In the era of the continuous growth of the franchise leagues, many governing cricket bodies are now giving permission to their players to participate in some foreign franchise leagues, at least for the limited numbers. The veteran Indian cricketers Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan believe that the Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) also should allow the Indian players to participate in the limited number of foreign leagues.
While many governing cricket bodies allow their players to participate in the foreign franchise leagues, the BCCI still doesn’t allow their cricketers to participate in the foreign leagues. Only recently, the BCCI allowed all-rounder Yuvraj Singh to participate in the Global T20 Canada 2019 but after retiring from the international cricket.
All international players make a comeback by playing in all those leagues: Suresh Raina
The 33-year-old Suresh Raina, who last time served for India in July 2018 and currently he is not on the radar to return to the national team, feels that the BCCI should allow the Indian cricketers to play at least in two different foreign leagues. He believes that it will be a good opportunity for the Indian players to make a strong fight eyeing for the national team comeback.
In the recent Instagram live session, Raina told Irfan Pathan, “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. 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.”
There is a different mindset in different countries: Irfan Pathan
On the other hand, the 35-year-old former cricketer Irfan Pathan, who retired from all forms of cricket in last January, has suggested allowing 30+ aged cricketers for the foreign leagues who are not in the radar of national selectors.
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.”
Suresh Raina played 18 Tests, 226 ODIs and 78 T20Is while Irfan Pathan experienced 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20Is. They played together in 67 international matches (52 ODIs and 15 T20Is).