Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has expressed his desire to see Indian players, particularly Virat Kohli, feature in the Big Bash League (BBL), one of the world’s most prominent T20 tournaments. Speaking during a media interaction organised by Cricket Australia, Greenberg acknowledged ongoing discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on the subject, while also accepting the challenges that come with it.
“We would absolutely love to have Indian players in the BBL, and it’s a conversation we continue to have with the BCCI. Imagine the buzz if Virat Kohli were to play in the BBL this year—it would skyrocket crowd interest and television ratings,” Todd Greenberg said. “But as things stand, that possibility remains distant, though it’s certainly part of our ambition.”
The BCCI has traditionally restricted its contracted male cricketers from participating in overseas T20 leagues. In contrast, Indian women cricketers like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues have been regular participants in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), gaining valuable exposure and experience.
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The board’s position stems from a desire to maintain the sanctity of domestic cricket, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL), which remains India’s most lucrative and high-profile T20 competition. The BCCI believes allowing male players to join foreign leagues could dilute the IPL’s exclusivity and potentially shift attention away from domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy.
Scheduling conflicts are another key factor. The BBL typically kicks off in mid-to-late December, which coincides with India’s domestic season. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s flagship domestic T20 competition, concludes around that time, closely followed by the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Additionally, concerns around player workload and potential overexposure play into the BCCI’s policy. With Indian cricketers already playing year-round, adding overseas league commitments could increase fatigue and the risk of injury.
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While fans across the globe would relish the sight of Kohli taking guard in the BBL, the current structure of Indian cricket, combined with the BCCI’s long-term priorities, makes such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
