Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg has expressed his view that it would be realistic to hope for Virat Kohli featuring in the Big Bash League someday, like Ravichandran Ashwin; however, it would depend largely on the privatization of the league.
The final ODI in Sydney might be the final game for the Indian legend Virat Kohli on Australian soil, as he has already announced his retirement from the other two formats of international cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin, the legendary Indian spinner who played his final game on Australian soil last summer in the BGT, is about to return to live action in Australia with the Big Bash League. He is all set to be the first India to play in the Australian franchise T20 tournament.
Virat Kohli to follow Ravichandran Ashwin’s footsteps into BBL participation
The current Australian boss, Todd Greenberg, found it realistic to watch Virat Kohli play in the BBL sometime in the future, much like Ravichandran Ashwin; however, he agreed that much would depend on the league’s privatization.
As it stands, the Indian players registered under the BCCI would have to retire from both domestic and international cricket for participation in overseas leagues, while also walking off the lucrative IPL contract.
Such things might change if Indian investors can come and join the Big Bash League for its privatization, much like they did in South Africa, England, and the Caribbean.
“In the short to medium term, I think it is realistic over time,” Greenberg said when asked if the dream of Virat Kohli’s participation is realistic by any terms.
“We’re going to keep the dialogue open. Ravichandran Ashwin’s coming is a really important moment for the BBL, and it will highlight the strength, I think, of bringing Indian players into the league.”
“What that manifests over time I think is to be seen. Some of that will depend on whether we take private capital into the BBL which is an open conversation for us,” he added.
Greenberg confirms BBL privatization ahead of the upcoming season
Bringing a player of Virat Kohli’s stature would come with a significant price tag, as the Indian legend is one of the greatest and most marketable sportsmen in the world. Cricket Australia would likely be making the decision over the league’s privatization this summer, and Greenberg, too, has not kept anything unrevealed with his desire to make BBL the second biggest league behind the IPL.
“There is one thing the best leagues have all over the world in every sport. They have access to the best players, and the BBL should be no different from that,” he said.
“We should have aspirations to make sure the very best players, both here in Australia and globally, can play in the BBL. That costs money because players have leverage and the opportunity to play all over the world. So unashamedly we want to bring the very best players here,” said Greenberg.
“That’s one of the primary drivers why we would consider bringing private capital into the BBL so that we can compete on the global stage,” he concluded.
Pakistan players ready for an exciting summer in the BBL
Keeping aside Virat Kohli for some time, Greenberg assured the participation of Pakistan players in the BBL season this summer, with the likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf turning to Australia.
Alongside the decision finally confirmed by the PCB as they hand the no-objections to their players, Greenberg also revealed having started a 6-a-side smash series to be played within 60 minutes, and the format comprising players batting in pairs and the use of different types of balls.