There have been a number of India players who have retired from international cricket and Indian cricket, seeking new pastures abroad.
In recent times, the biggest move was made by Ravichandran Ashwin, who left IPL and appeared in auction for ILT20 and got picked in the Big Bash League as well. Vijay Shankar also retired and has since joined Sri Lanka league.
The latest in the list is Kona Srikar Bharat, aka KS Bharat, who recently announced his international retirement. The 32-year-old is said to have moved to UAE to start a new chapter in his career.
As per a report from Cricbuzz, Bharat has moved to Dubai for short-term and long-term future. The India player last played for the country in February 2024 against England. He is said to have joined a local team named Stallions and is playing in a local league administered by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB). The competition is being played as a two-day match involving four teams – the others being The Falcons, The Leopards and The Eagles.
“He has moved to Dubai, like many other international cricketers from different countries, and is exploring both short-term and long-term opportunities here,” an Emirates cricket official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Bharat has relocated to UAE seeking greener pastures, which may have a long-term effect as well. As per the understandings, the former India player has an eye in the ILT20 tournament as he is set to register for the auction, which will take place in October this year.
Bharat represented Andhra Pradesh in domestic cricket and played for India in 7 Tests, where he scored 221 runs at an average of 20, with his highest score being 44. He also represented Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, playing a total of 10 matches in the competition.