Suresh Raina asks Indian cricket board to allow its players in overseas T20 leagues

Left-hand batsman says non-contracted cricketers should get a chance to play across the globe

Suresh Raina wants the BCCI to allow non-contracted players in overseas T20 leagues. AFP

India's World Cup-winning batsman Suresh Raina has asked the country's cricket board to lift its ban on players participating in overseas Twenty20 leagues.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not allow active players to sign for franchise-based leagues outside the country in a bid to protect the prestige of its own Indian Premier League (IPL).

Raina said there were many active Indian players who are unable to maximise their potential as there are limited spots in IPL teams.

"I hope the BCCI can get together with the ICC (International Cricket Council) or with franchises and allow players who don't have BCCI contracts to play in overseas leagues," Raina said during an Instagram chat with former team-mate Irfan Pathan.

"I feel there are a lot of players, including Yusuf (Pathan), myself, Robin Uthappa – a lot of quality players who can go overseas and learn a lot, no matter which league it is."

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Once considered an automatic selection for India's limited-overs sides, Raina played 226 ODIs and 78 T20s but has not worn the blue jersey since July 2018.

The 33-year-old is also a key member of MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings side in the IPL, which has seen its 2020 season postponed indefinitely due the pandemic.

"We aren't in the BCCI contracts list, some of us don't have IPL contracts, we aren't playing international cricket, and the competition in domestic cricket isn't what it is at the international level," Raina said.

"If we can get three months of quality cricket, whether it's the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) or the Big Bash (League) or any league, it can help us stay ready. Players from other countries are able to play in these leagues, and a lot of them have made international comebacks after doing well in them.

"We play the IPL, but if these people (BCCI selectors) have a pool of 40-50 players, they think those outside it aren't good enough or are past it, and neglect them. We don't have a Plan B. If we go overseas and perform, our cricket will improve and we'll get to learn a lot."