Having established themselves in India, the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are spreading their wings all across the globe. A number of franchise owners have purchased teams in different leagues all over the world.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) recently roped in the Johannesburg franchise in the South African league. But, much to the disappointment of South African fans, Indian players, including MS Dhoni, can’t be a part of that league.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) bars players from participating in overseas leagues. If the players are to do so, they would have to cut off all their ties with the BCCI and its properties. Such a situation is only possible after a player’s retirement. But, why is it that even after retirement, MS Dhoni can’t participate in the league?
Dhoni might have called it quits when it comes to the international cricketing arena but he still is an active member of the Chennai Super Kings team. If the Ranchi-born wicket-keeper batter is to associate himself with an overseas league, he would need to hang his boots from the IPL too.
A BCCI official, speaking to the Indian Express, explained the same. The official said: “It’s clear, no Indian player including domestic players can take part in any other league until he is retired from all forms of the game. If any player wants to take part in these upcoming leagues, he can only do so when he cuts off all ties with the BCCI.”
When specifically asked about Dhoni, the official said: “Then he can’t play IPL for CSK. He has to retire here first.”
A total of 6 IPL franchises have bought teams in the South African league. The owners of Mumbai, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Chennai, Rajasthan and Delhi franchises have bought teams from Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth), Johannesburg, Paarl and Pretoria respectively.
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