Alex Hales comments on Rahul Dravid’s statement on Indian players not playing in foreign T20 leagues
India were handed a crushing 10-wicket defeat by England in the second semi-final of the 20-20 World Cup on Thursday at Adelaide Oval. After the loss, Indian head coach Rahul Dravid was asked the question about Indian players not playing in foreign T20 leagues like Australia’s Big Bash League. Dravid replied saying that the players can’t be allowed to overseas leagues as it would hamper the domestic season which happens around the same time. Now, Alex Hales has countered Dravid’s remarks and said that playing in foreign leagues will improve their cricket.
Hales said that the inclusion of Indian players in foreign leagues will be beneficial for both the players and the leagues.
“It’s a shame that Indian guys don’t get a chance to play in different leagues. It would be good for everyone, benefit them and benefit the leagues to have the best players in the world playing,” Hales said.
Hales further revealed how the experience of playing Big Bash League helped him perform against India in the semi-finals.
“[Adelaide] is a ground where I’ve played a lot of cricket in the past and enjoyed some success. To have that sort of mindset before you head out there on a big occasion probably settles the nerves a bit and gives you confidence that you can put on a performance like that,” he added.
“Anytime you get the chance to play in foreign conditions makes you a better cricketer and makes you understand those conditions. Hopefully going forward, they get a chance to play in different leagues. It’s definitely helped me, for sure,” he further said.
“I think it’s a huge challenge for us”: Rahul Dravid
After India’s humiliating loss against England, Dravid shared the challenges India will face if players are allowed to play in foreign leagues.
“I mean, sure, there’s no doubt about it, the fact that England… a lot of their players have come here and played in this tournament and it certainly showed. It’s tough. I think it’s very difficult for Indian cricket because a lot of these tournaments happen right at the peak of our season,” Dravid said in the post-match press conference after India’s loss.
“I think it’s a huge challenge for us. Yes, I think a lot of our boys maybe do miss out on the opportunities of playing in a lot of these leagues, but if you were to… it’s really up to the Indian Cricket Board to make that decision, but the thing is it’s right in the middle of our season, and with the kind of demand there would be for Indian players, if you allowed all the Indian players to play in these leagues, we would not have a domestic cricket. Our domestic cricket, our Ranji Trophy, would be finished, and that would mean Test cricket would be finished,” he added.
The Indian Cricket Board doesn’t allow Indian players to play in foreign leagues and only after a player has retired from both Indian T20 League and international cricket they’re given permission. It will be interesting to see if the Board starts allowing players to play in foreign leagues given India’s poor performances in the World tournaments in recent times.
