Former Indian cricketer and now an cricket expert, Aakash Chopra believes that players like Suresh Raina will play in overseas T20 leagues in the near future. The 35-year-old Indian cricketer announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 15, 2020, shortly after MS Dhoni’s announcement of bidding goodbye to international cricket.
While Dhoni is still part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and represents Chennai Super Kings, Raina was released by the franchise ahead of IPL 2022 and wasn’t signed by any side in the players’ auction, after which he took the commentary job with the official broadcasters.
According to Aakash, if Raina is not in the scheme of things as far as the IPL is concerned, then he might look to play in overseas leagues and show his potential.
Speaking in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash said, “When Indian franchises buy all six teams in the CSA T20 league, it becomes a totally Indian league. Indian franchises are there in the UAE T20 league as well. If it keeps growing like this, franchises might want their players to play in different places. I actually see Suresh Raina play.”
The former Indian Test batter said that he believes Raina will be a sought-after player if he makes himself available. “I see some of the Indian players playing in these leagues very soon. Those who are not playing in the IPL, they are all available, but Raina is a very interesting case. A lot of people might want to spend a lot of money on him.”
At present, Indian cricketers who play in the IPL are not allowed to take part in any other T20 league around the world. But with IPL franchise owners buying teams in overseas leagues as well, there could be a chance that going forward, Indian players will be allowed to take part in these leagues
