The International Cricket Council (ICC) had recently proposed several measures to safeguard international cricket, which included limiting the participation of foreign players in T20 leagues. However, it now appears unlikely that this rule will be immediately enforced by the T20 leagues.
The decision to limit the number of foreign players arises from concerns surrounding the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20) and the USA’s Major League Cricket (MLC), which currently allow a considerable number of overseas stars in their lineups. To address these concerns, the ICC working group devised a new set of rules.
However, a recent report by Cricbuzz suggests that any decision made regarding overseas players during the ICC’s Annual Conference in Durban, scheduled for July, is unlikely to have an immediate impact on the MLC and the upcoming edition of the ILT20.
Furthermore, both leagues have already received long-term approval from the ICC, which could potentially result in legal complexities if the consent is revoked. The ICC is keen to avoid such complications and is treading cautiously in this matter.
Certain members of the ICC working group have recommended that the playing team should consist of a maximum of four international or full-member players. Any league that fails to comply with these ICC guidelines will be labeled as an unsanctioned league.
Consequently, players participating in these unsanctioned leagues would be excluded from existing franchises and international setups. This could mean missing out on lucrative offers from prominent leagues like the IPL and other ICC-sanctioned tournaments.
The upcoming meeting in Durban will discuss this matter, with notable attendees including Johnny Graves from the CWI, Mubashir Usmani from the Emirates Cricket Board, Warren Deutrom from Cricket Ireland, Nicky Hockley from Cricket Australia (CA), and Arun Singh Dhumal from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
However, it is important to note that any modifications to the rules will be implemented in the future, and the MLC and ILT20 will retain their current roster of foreign players for now.
Also, see:
https://www.homeoft20.com/this-indian-cricketer-retired-from-ipl-but-will-play-mlc/
