Star Indian batter signs up for UAE’s ILT20 following rule change
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa became the first Indian player to sign up for the International League T20 (ILT20) the newest T20 franchise league in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Uthappa, who retired from all forms of Indian cricket in September wanted to play in the foreign T20 Leagues around the world. Since the Indian Cricket Board doesn’t allow its contracted state and national men’s players to play in the foreign leagues, one can only do so after retiring.
The likes of Virender Sehwag (T10 League), Yuvraj Singh (Global T20 in Canada) and Suresh Raina (T10 League) have followed the same route earlier and Uthappa has followed the same path as well. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Uthappa said that he wanted to do something like this as if he ever wanted to be a coach in future having experience of playing with and against players from around the world will add value to that.
“It is something I wanted to do [play in overseas T20 leagues]. Now that I have retired it gives me the opportunity. I consider myself a student of the game. So, I will only be enriching my own knowledge and experience and information about the game when I go and play in different conditions in the world. Tomorrow if I want to be a coach, I should have some kind of stand when I am having a conversation with the lads. I believe all these experiences will add value to that,” he said.
Uthappa further said that he doesn’t want to play just in the UAE but in England, Australia and the Caribbean too if he gets the opportunity. However, the road to his entry into the ILT20 wasn’t easy. It could only happen, after a rule change by the league organisers.
The rule change that allowed Uthappa’s entry in the ILT20
The recruitment rules stated that every franchise would have 18 players in the squad – 12 international, two associate and four local UAE players. However, the squad size was increased to 25 and hence each of the six sides could add more players to their squads ahead of the inaugural edition of the ILT20.
Finally, Dubai Capitals got Uthappa on board. However, he wasn’t the only Indian signing by the GMR Group-owned franchise. Uthappa will be joined by his former Indian and Kolkata Franchise teammate, Yusuf Pathan, at the Capitals.
