As the world is aware of the Big Bash League, which has throughout the years managed to gather huge supporters from around the world. With players from a maximum number of countries taking part, the league has been a success since the inaugural season. According to reports, the Indians could not make it to the league till now. Over the years, there have been various discussions and speculations surrounding this fact.
The Indian Cricket team, as it is often known and referred to as “Men in Blue”, has managed to come forward with impeccable records and unbeaten performances. Moreover, there is a men’s T20 franchise cricket league of India, called IPL which is amongst the most popular leagues. But why such an incredible team wasn’t allowed to play in the BBL has been a matter of question to many.
As per reports, around the inception of the Big Bash League (2010-2011), a previous director of Cricket Australia (CA), called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials to release Indian players for the Big Bash League. It was, however, a plan to have at least one Indian cricketer in each of the BBL franchises. But, on realising the outcomes of letting Indians take part in the BBL or any sort of foreign leagues, the Board of Control for Cricket in India predicted the looming reality. The BCCI is said to have the feeling that the participation of Indians in the overseas leagues would mean higher media rights value, as a result, it would be a self-subversive move.
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 is 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. Thus, even after having exceptional players by their side, India couldn’t manage to become a part of the Big Bash tournament.
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