Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has sparked a huge debate with his bold statement, claiming that the Indian Premier League (IPL) should remain the “crown jewel” of the world cricket for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Dinesh Karthik strongly backed the BCCI’s policy and said that the Indian cricketers should not be allowed to play in overseas leagues unless they are retired to keep the legacy of the IPL intact. The wicketkeeper-batter emphasized that the IPL has its unique identity in global cricket and must retain its crown as the world’s number-one T20 league.
Dinesh Karthik says Indian players shouldn’t play in overseas leagues
Karthik, who recently became the first Indian player to participate in the SA20 after retiring from domestic cricket, including the IPL, suggested that if a player feels he has done enough in Indian cricket, he should retire and participate in the overseas leagues. However, he is against the idea that BCCI players should allow Indian players to play in the overseas leagues.
Dinesh Karthik said, “I am a big believer that the IPL should be the crown jewel for the BCCI. It is at the moment. The IPL is the crown jewel of world cricket. For that to maintain their status quo as No. 1, I believe Indian cricketers shouldn’t be allowed to play in overseas leagues unless they are retired. The players can take their call, because if they feel they are done with IPL, they can move on to other leagues. I completely stand along with the BCCI on that front.”
There is enough for players in India: Dinesh Karthik
Many feel the BCCI should give exposure to young players while allowing them to play in the overseas leagues, but Karthik argued that India already offers plenty of opportunities. With strong domestic cricket, state franchise leagues, and IPL, the commentator said that the Indian players won’t have any problems both financially and professionally.
Dinesh Karthik signed off by saying, “I agree you can always argue, asking, ‘Should youngsters be given an opportunity (to play in overseas leagues)?’ But I think there is enough and more in India in terms of competition and ways of being secure financially. The IPL is a great platform. There is good domestic cricket and all the state franchise leagues as well that’s happening right now as we speak.”
