Former India head coach Ravi Shastri wants the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow Indian players to play in T20 franchise leagues like the Big Bash League (BBL) if they are no in the scheme of things. Currently, BCCI doesn’t allow even retired players to play in overseas T20 leagues if they are part of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Shastri feels that the competition in India is such that players will benefit from gaining valuable experience in the BBL, playing alongside top-class players.
"India is a massive country, not everyone gets an opportunity to play, not everyone can make it. So why stop a guy (from playing in Big Bash League) if he can't make it to the Test side, get a level C or level D contract?" Shastri said on the Willow Talk podcast.
"That exposure will help him when he comes back like the IPL has helped so many young players as they rub shoulders with top class players," he added.
‘No better education than going overseas’ – Shastri
Shastri believes that a BBL stint will help players as they will be coached by the likes of Ricky Ponting and Stephen Fleming.
"They learn to handle pressure. Additionally, they get to rub shoulders with big international stars like (Ricky) Ponting and (Stephen) Fleming and international players.
"It's an education - and for me, there's no better education than going overseas. That exposure is terrific, not just in cricketing terms but in understanding different cultures and methods. You learn so many things - a West Indian training method will be different from an Australian one," he added.
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Ashwin’s BBL debut in green
Ravichandran Ashwin will be the first high profile Indian player to feature in the BBL. He will represent David Warner-led Sydney Thunder in the upcoming season. He has confirmed his availability for the entire season and will make his BBL debut on December 16.