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Indian cricketers are generally not allowed to participate in other franchise leagues while they are active players. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) enforces this policy to maintain the exclusivity and value of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and to manage player workload for national duties. The only way for Indian male cricketers to play in foreign leagues is to officially retire from all forms of Indian cricket, including international and domestic matches. There are some examples of retired Indian cricketers who have taken part in overseas T20 leagues, like Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025.
3 Indians who featured in the Caribbean Premier League
1. Pravin Tambe: The first and oldest Indian in CPL
In a historic move, leg-spinner Pravin Tambe became the first Indian to play in the CPL when he was picked by the Trinbago Knight Riders for the 2020 season. At the age of 48, he also holds the unique distinction of being the oldest player to feature in the league, a testament to his longevity and passion for the game. Tambe’s participation was a crucial part of the Knight Riders’ historic, unbeaten run to the title.
He played three matches for the team, stepping in to fill the void left by an injured bowler. His performance was marked by its effectiveness and control, taking three wickets while maintaining an impressive economy rate of just 4.00 runs per over. His best figures of 1/9 came against the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. Tambe’s stint was brief but impactful, and his performance demonstrated that age was no barrier to his skill and T20 prowess.
2. Ambati Rayudu: A brief but significant stint
Following his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket after winning the IPL 2023 title with the Chennai Super Kings, Ambati Rayudu became the second Indian player to join the CPL. He was signed as a marquee player by the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots for the 2023 season. Rayudu’s time with the Patriots, however, was brief. He featured in just three matches, scoring a total of 47 runs at an average of 15.66 and a strike rate of 117.50. His individual scores were 0, 32, and 15. Rayudu’s tenure was cut short when he left the tournament early due to personal reasons, a decision that was widely reported. His departure, along with that of teammate Blessing Muzarabani, led the Patriots to bring in English players Will Smeed and Benny Howell as replacements.
Also READ: Caribbean Premier League: 5 players to watch out for from Barbados Royals in CPL 2025
3. Sunny Sohal: The US national from India
Another Indian-born player, Sunny Sohal, participated in the CPL 2018 season, but he did so as a US national rather than as an Indian player. Sohal, a former India U-19 and IPL cricketer, had moved to the United States and was picked by the Barbados Tridents as a US national. Sohal’s role in the Tridents’ squad was primarily as a batter. He played in a few matches and contributed with some starts. In one notable innings, he scored 22 runs off 17 balls against the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots before being dismissed. While his participation was a significant moment for US cricket and for Indian players in foreign leagues, his performance was not particularly memorable, and he did not manage to make a lasting impact during his brief stint.
Also READ: Caribbean Premier League: Complete Squads of all 6 teams for CPL 2025
