Image Credit: twitter.com/@UnmuktChand9
Big Bash League is considered one of the most celebrated cricket tournaments of all-time. The reason behind its huge fan following is the inclusion of stunning players from numerous countries in the tournament. But, based on facts the Indians were not considered a part of the league. There have been various discussions and speculations regarding this matter.
The “Men in Blue”, as it is recognised by the cricket fans, has managed to come forward with exceptional records and brilliant performances. Furthermore, there is a men’s T20 franchise cricket league of India, known as IPL (Indian Premier League), and is one of the most popular cricket championships. Despite such extraordinary skills, why the team wasn’t allowed to play in the BBL has been confusing.
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As per sources, during the inception of the Big Bash League (2010-2011), a former director of Cricket Australia (CA), called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials to let Indian players participate in the Big Bash League. It was also a plan to have at least one Indian cricketer in each BBL franchise. But, after assuming the results of Indians participating in the BBL or any sort of foreign leagues, the Board of Control for Cricket in India predicted the emerging reality. At that time, the BCCI is said to feel that the participation of Indians in the overseas leagues would mean higher media rights value, so it would be a self-subversive move.
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Later, it was suggested by the founders of the Indian Premier League (IPL) that the BCCI shall pass a resolution that no Indian player would be allowed in the overseas leagues and the IPL franchises would not be permitted to play among themselves friendly overseas games, a demand that came from the teams during that time. This was, however, the beginning point of BCCI’s no-other-league policy, and at that time the Big Bash League was considered the only competitor for the IPL. Based on reports, the foremost reason behind this was that the primacy of the IPL, which shells out huge sums of money for players, Indian and overseas alike, could be mitigated.
Moreover, the BCCI wanted to protect the players from over-exposure and injuries, as the policy was formulated at a time when the concept of workload management in a professional way was still not available. Perhaps, there have been reports regarding the inclusion of Indians in BBL teams recently. And, Unmukt Chand has been regarded as the first Indian male cricketer to play in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) after he signed for the 2021-2022 season. Therefore, even after having astonishing playing units, team India wasn’t allowed to become a part of the Big Bash tournament.
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