Have you ever wondered why Indian cricketers don’t play in other cricket leagues around the world? It’s a question that has puzzled cricket fans and experts alike. In this article, we’ll explore some possible reasons why Indian cricketers might choose to focus on playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and representing the Indian cricket team instead of playing in other leagues.
IPL is the most renowned cricket league on the planet however you have additionally heard the name of other T20 leagues, known as BBL, PSL, BPL, LPL, Vitality Blast, CSA T20, and MLC. These aren’t quite as well known as IPL however they are growing with every Day.
But BCCI is very clear that if any player wants to play in other leagues they have to retire from the Indian Cricket team. Overall There are three main reasons that Indian players don’t play in other leagues: Busy Schedule, Protect players from injuries, Financial freedom of players, and a huge fanbase.
Busy Schedule
Indian cricketers prioritize playing for the Indian cricket team, which has a busy schedule and requires them to be available for national duty. Indian cricketers also have some obligations to their IPL teams or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
To Protect Players from Injuries and Over Exposure
The BCCI wanted to protect the players from over-exposure and injuries, as well as safeguard the interest of the country’s domestic cricket, which is the feeder line for international cricket. The timing of other leagues is also a major factor, as their schedules largely clash with the domestic season in which the BCCI conducts over 2500 games.
Financial Freedom of Players
Indian Cricket Board is the richest cricket board in the world due to its huge fans and multiple income streams. Star India bought the rights to televise Indian cricket from 2018-2023 for $944 million, a 51.2% jump from the $125 million a year they paid for the same rights from 2012-18. The BCCI will now earn a combined $697 million per year for IPL and Indian cricket rights, much bigger than the $287 million a year the ECB will earn for the rights to broadcast cricket in the UK. The value of Indian cricket has risen by 73.39% since Nimbus paid $436 million for four years in 2010. Star has now spent more than $5 billion on cricket rights since 2012.
BCCI use these fund in improving the cricket structure in India and pay handsome salaries to players so they can enjoy financial freedom. Moreover, every player in an IPL season earns more than 1CR on Average.
Fan Following of Indian cricketers
Indian cricketers’ enormous fan base allows them to become influencers on many social media platforms. This enabled them to secure lucrative brand deals and promotional campaigns. The Indian cricketers with the most followers on social media are Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma.
Read More: Most Followed IPL Team
| Virat Kohli | 254 million |
| MS Dhoni | 44.1 million |
| Rohit Sharma | 29.1 million |
| KL Rahul | 14.4 million |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 13.8 million |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 10.3 million |
| Shubman Gill | 7.4 million |
| Muhammad Shami | 6.5 million |
FAQ’s
Indian players are not participating in the PSL due to BCCI restrictions and political uncertainty between India and Pakistan. This is why Indian players are unable to play in the Pakistan Super League and Pakistani players cannot play in the IPL.
BBL is an Australian T20 league, and Indian players cannot play in it due to international obligations and difficult conditions that may negatively impact players.
To take part in other T20 leagues around the world, a player must officially retire from the Indian Cricket team. Like Ambati Ryudu is playing MLC in America.
There would be no Indian players in other leagues in 2023. However, following setbacks in T20WC 2021, 22 former players suggested that the BCCI allow players to play in other leagues to better understand opponents.
