Cricket News

Ravi Shastri expresses his opinion on Indian players’ non-participation in foreign T20 Leagues

Following India’s humiliating loss against England in the semi-final of the 20-20 World Cup 2022, there have been widespread talks about allowing Indian players to play in the foreign T20 leagues. After his match-winning knock in the semi-finals against India, Alex Hales credited his experience of playing Big Bash League in Australia for his performance. Expressing his views on the issue, former Indian Head coach Ravi Shastri said that the players should focus on their country rather than looking elsewhere.

Shastri stated that there’s enough domestic cricket for all players to get an opportunity. He also said that in future there’s a likelihood of two Indian teams playing at the same time which will give more opportunities to the players.

“There is enough domestic cricket for all these players to get absorbed in the system and get an opportunity. Plus, you get these India A tours, and you get a lot of these other tours, where at one given time you might have two Indian teams playing in the future, where the opportunity will come for the other lot to go somewhere else whilst India is in another country – to go play and see what you know they can do,” Shastri said during a virtual interaction with the press facilitated by Amazon Prime Video.

Since there have been more India A tours in recent years, Shastri felt that the players have already received enough exposure through domestic cricket, the Indian T20 League, and these tours.

We need them to play domestic cricket in India as well : Ravi Shastri

“So there’s no need (to play in overseas leagues), they’re absolutely fine playing Indian T20 League cricket and focusing on domestic cricket. We need them to play domestic cricket in India as well,” he added.

After India’s repeated failures to win a major event, experts have started pointing out the lack of experience of Indian players in foreign conditions as they don’t play in T20 leagues around the world. They are considered at a disadvantage against players from other countries, who get to play in a wider variety of playing environments.

When asked about this after the 20-20 World Cup semi-finals game against England, Dravid acknowledged that some English players may have had an advantage due to their BBL experience which might’ve helped them in understanding the conditions at the venue better. He further said that the majority of these T20 competitions take place during India’s domestic season, making it challenging for Indian players to play in foreign leagues.