The Indian Premier League (IPL) already enjoys an almost exclusive window in the cricketing calendar. With Indian franchises also acquiring teams in other burgeoning leagues, the top players’ availability for international cricket will be limited.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked whether the introduction of the Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 League and UAE T20 League would imply that international cricket will only be played in gaps between such tournaments. He responded affirmatively, saying:
The cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out that the plethora of leagues is compromising international cricket. He elaborated:
Chopra feels other international players might follow Trent Boult’s example, with the New Zealand pacer having opted out of his national team contract. Citing the examples of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, the former Kolkata Knight Riders player added that the West Indies players might be at the top of that list.
“I won’t say that” - Aakash Chopra on whether international cricket is dying a slow death
Aakash Chopra was also asked whether Boult opting out of contract with the Kiwis and Ben Stokes’ recent retirement implies international cricket is dying a slow death. He replied in the negative, reasoning:
Chopra reckons the presence of different formats will prevent cricket from going the football way. The former Indian batter explained:
Chopra, however, concluded by acknowledging that one format is likely to go and that the guillotine might fall on ODI cricket soon.
44 votes
