Graeme Smith, Commissioner of SA20 clarified that before the start of the season last month that the participation of Indian cricketers in the league is “BCCI’s prerogative”. Despite overseas cricket boards from around the world having no issues with allowing participation in the tournament, the Indian counterpart has maintained a strict ‘no’ for their players.
Only by ending all ties with the BCCI and Indian cricket will a player have the opportunity to join foreign leagues, implying only retired stars have the chance, and they have utilized the freedom over the years. Former Indian skipper, MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket in 2020. Hence, overseas leagues do have the luxury of buying the services of one of the brightest cricket minds.
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A few months back, there was a rumor that MS Dhoni will be taking part in the SA20 league as one of the coaching staff of the Joburg Super Kings (JSK). It was eventually disallowed owing to the BCCI rule of ending all ties with Indian cricket, which includes the IPL. For Dhoni to take part in the SA20 or any other foreign league in the world, he has to end his contract with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the franchise he still leads in IPL.
During a recent chat with Hindustan Times, Graeme Smith admitted that despite the BCCI rule, he remains hopeful of Dhoni’s association with the league in the near future and has opened the door for his arrival as well.
Graeme Smith explained, “It would be amazing to have a player like him. But as I have previously said, we always work with and respect the BCCI. The fact that we have created such a nice working relationship with them and have been able to talk to them and learn from them. I mean, they are hugely experienced in doing such events as the IPL or the World Cup. And it is a very important relationship to have for the SAT20. From our perspective, we looked at it, we have one or two opportunities.”
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He further explained, “But one thing we really wanted to build was a young and vibrant and really competitive cricket league. And someone like an MS would of course add a lot of value to our league. He has been able to perform and maintain performance for a very long time in this profession and would bring a level to the league which we will be proud to have. But if there is ever an opportunity I would definitely be reaching out to Mahi.”
Currently, MS Dhoni is preparing well for the 2023 edition of the IPL where he will continue to lead the CSK side. It is yet to be seen if this is his final season in the cash-rich league.
