Ambati Rayudu Withdraws from Major League Cricket Stint with Texas Super Kings
Ambati Rayudu, the former Chennai Super Kings player, has opted to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament in the United States. The decision follows the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) proposal to implement a cooling-off period for retired players. This move aims to prevent mass retirements among domestic players who are without contracts, as they seek opportunities abroad.
Rayudu’s Retirement and Texas Super Kings
Ambati Rayudu had initially announced his retirement ahead of the Chennai Super Kings’ triumph in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in May. However, two weeks later, he was named as one of the signings for the Texas Super Kings in the MLC. The team is owned by N Srinivasan’s India Cements, which also owns the Chennai Super Kings. The Texas franchise is set to be coached by Stephen Fleming, with Eric Simons and Albie Morkel serving as assistant coaches.
The BCCI proposed a cooling-off period for retired players during the recent Apex Council meeting in Mumbai. The aim is to discourage predetermined retirements and ensure players’ commitments to domestic cricket. This proposal is expected to be ratified at the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September. Secretary Jay Shah emphasized the need for a policy to address this trend and prevent mass retirements among players.
Current Restrictions for Indian Players
Indian players currently face restrictions when it comes to participating in overseas T20 leagues. They are only eligible if they have retired from international cricket and BCCI-run tournaments such as the IPL. This limitation prevents active domestic players from pursuing opportunities abroad. Unmukt Chand, a former India Under-19 World Cup winner, made the decision to pursue opportunities overseas in 2021.
The MLC 2023 is a highly anticipated six-team event scheduled to take place from July 13 to 30. The Texas Super Kings, led by Ambati Rayudu before his withdrawal, were initially set to play the tournament opener against the Los Angeles Knight Riders. Rayudu’s absence from the squad will undoubtedly impact the team’s composition and strategy.
Ambati Rayudu’s decision to withdraw from the Major League Cricket stint with the Texas Super Kings comes in response to the BCCI’s proposed cooling-off period for retired players. The objective is to address concerns about mass retirements among domestic players who seek opportunities in overseas T20 leagues.
