Dinesh Karthik supports BCCI's stance on overseas T20 leagues
What's the story
Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has backed the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to not allow active cricketers to play in foreign T20 leagues. He feels the policy should only change after a player retires from Indian cricket. This comes after Karthik's own retirement after the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), and later participation in South Africa's SA20 2025 as a member of the Paarl Royals team.
IPL supremacy
Karthik hails IPL as 'crown jewel' of cricket
Karthik, who has played for teams such as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), claimed that the BCCI's position shouldn't be questioned. He called the IPL the "crown jewel" of Indian and world cricket. "I am a big believer that the IPL should be the crown jewel for the BCCI. It is at the moment," he said during an interaction with reporters at SA20.
Support
Karthik supports BCCI's stance on overseas leagues
Further reiterating his support for BCCI's policy, Karthik said Indian cricketers should only look at overseas leagues after retirement. He said if players feel they have reached the end of their IPL road, they can look at other leagues. "I believe Indian cricketers shouldn't be allowed to play in overseas leagues unless they are retired," he added, siding with BCCI's view.
Domestic prospects
Karthik highlights opportunities in Indian cricket
Karthik emphasized the plethora of opportunities and financial security that Indian cricket's strong structure provides. He said tournaments like SA20 could be handled with retired Indian cricketers for the time being. "But I think there is enough and more in India in terms of competition and ways of being secure financially," he said, calling the IPL a great platform with good domestic cricket and state franchise leagues.