Ex-India players seek to quit for post-retirement leagues
The sudden emergence of two leagues— the Masters Champions League in Dubai and the All Stars Cricket League in the US— for retired players has given hope to many India discards who don’t fancy making a comeback to the national team.
Resigned to their career tapering off, with some not even featuring regularly in their state teams, quite a few are willing to take the plunge and announce their retirements sooner rather than later.
The temptation is understandable considering that being discarded from the India team has affected them financially. A few India capped players have confided how they are planning to retire from all forms of cricket to be a part of these two leagues. The MCL, which got approval from the International Cricket Council on Saturday, in particular has opened a new vista for those whose career is stagnating. A tournament comprising six franchises of 15 members each, the MCL is scheduled to be held in the UAE in February.
“I am willing to announce my retirement any day if I can manage to get a deal to play in those leagues. There is no point playing any further to prove to anyone when I know that it’s almost impossible to make a comeback, specially with the competition building up and youngsters coming up,” said a pace bowler, who has played for India for a considerable time, on condition of anonymity.
Another pacer, who was injury prone, is also considering such a move. There are quite a few India discards who have been exchanging notes to find ways to cut deals with the organisers of the leagues. Player agents too have intensified their search to get the best deal for those players who have been their clients. Recently, Virender Sehwag announced his retirement to join the MCL.