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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is right around the corner, with the teams and the players gearing up for an action-packed cricket season. As the players and the teams get ready to lock horns and stake claim over the IPL trophy, a discussion around the appearance of Indian players in foreign T20 leagues has resurfaced. Amidst re-emerging talking points around the issue, former Indian player Dinesh Karthik has supported the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) mandate on not allowing Indian players to play in foreign T20 leagues.
Dinesh Karthik backs BCCI’s stance
Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Karthik has strongly backed the BCCI’s stance on restricting active Indian cricketers from participating in overseas T20 leagues. Speaking during the media conference at the SA20, where he is representing the Paarl Royals after retiring from the IPL in 2024, Karthik reinforced the importance of the policy, stating that players should only explore foreign leagues once they have retired from Indian cricket.
“I am a big believer that the IPL should be the crown jewel for the BCCI. It is at the moment, I believe Indian cricketers shouldn’t be allowed to play in overseas leagues unless they are retired,” Karthik said.
According to him, if a player feels their IPL journey has come to an end, they can then consider opportunities in other leagues. Firmly siding with the BCCI’s perspective, Karthik believes the policy ensures the exclusivity and prestige of Indian cricket remain intact.
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Karthik opens up on a plethora of opportunities in Indian cricket
Additionally, Karthik highlighted the abundance of opportunities and financial security that Indian cricket offers, reinforcing the strength of its well-structured system. He believes that, for now, tournaments like SA20 should primarily feature retired Indian cricketers rather than active players.
“I think there is enough and more in India in terms of competition and ways of being secure financially, I think there is enough and more in India in terms of competition and ways of being secure financially,” Karthik stated, emphasizing the stability provided by domestic cricket.
Furthermore, he praised the IPL as a premier platform that, along with strong domestic competitions and emerging state-based franchise leagues, ensures players have ample avenues for growth. According to Karthik, this robust ecosystem negates the immediate need for Indian players to participate in foreign leagues. Instead, he feels the focus should remain on strengthening domestic cricket while keeping overseas leagues as an option post-retirement.
