The former Indian wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat has relocated to Dubai to explore some new opportunities in the cricket ecosystem of the United Arab Emirates.
Bharat had recently announced his retirement from international cricket and it was a shocking one as there was no specific reason why he decided to step off. He is currently 32 years old and there is a possibility that the lack of opportunities might have frustrated the wicket-keeper. Bharat has played 7 test matches for India and he will be looking to make the most of his international and domestic experience.
According to reports from the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) officials, Bharat has already entered the domestic circuit by being a part of one of the local teams. He has been included in Team Stallions’ squad and he will be competing in the ILT20 league as a part of the squad. This move will come off as a part of the trend as he is not the first to make such a move. Players who find it difficult to reach the highest level in Indian cricket often take a step back to analyse their options and they find the UAE as a lucrative option. As they have played so much of cricket, they will be willing to make money out of it from the highly rewarding UAE cricket ecosystem.
Former India wicketkeeper eyes ILT20 opportunities in UAE
One of the main reasons behind Bharat’s decision to shift his focus away from Indian cricket appears to be the lucrative competitive International League T20. There are several franchise leagues across the world but the ILT20 has caught the attention worldwide due to its competitive nature. Also, the infrastructure involved in the tournament is world-class and the players competing in it are highly rewarded for their game time.
KS Bharat will have plenty of experience to show for and he will be a handy asset for the stallions. He has even been a part of the RCB squad a couple of years back and he was a key middle-order batter for the side. One of his most remarkable knocks came against Delhi Capitals in 2022, when he clinched victory for the side with a last-ball six against Avesh Khan. Considering the experience he has in international cricket as well, he will know a thing or two about the big stage and Bharat could add immense value to the cricketing ecosystem of UAE.
As KS Bharat is gearing up for a new adventure, it could symbolize the growing trend amongst the youngsters to move abroad in search of opportunities. Just like Bharat, there are tons of other players who are awaiting their opportunity and a similar disappointment in the lack of opportunities, could encourage players to think beyond. KS Bharat will be determined to make himself a batting superstar in T20 franchise cricket across the world.