'I actually see Suresh Raina play'- Aakash Chopra on Indian players playing in foreign T20I Leagues

The news of Indian T20 League owners buying all of six teams in the upcoming South African T20 League was part pride-inducing and part funny to the Indian cricket fans. It has, however, opened doors to new horizons for Indian players playing in foreign cricket leagues.

There is chatter about Indian Cricket Board allowing players to take part in the foreign T20 Leagues in the future. According to former Indian cricketer, Aakash Chopra, Suresh Raina is one of those players who could be in high demand if the Indian Cricket Board allows players to play outside.

In a video uploaded on his YouTube channel, the cricketer-turned commentator said, “When Indian franchises buy all six teams in the CSA T20 league, it becomes a totally Indian league. Indian franchisees are there in the UAE T20 league as well. If it keeps growing like this...already IPL has got two and half month’s window, it's going to come in FTP. Even South African T20 League is likely to get a window. Maybe there will be a time, franchises might want their players, of course, they are Indian players too, to play in different places.”

"I actually see Suresh Raina play. I see some of the Indian players playing in these leagues very, very soon. Those who are not playing in the IPL, they are all available, but Raina is a very interesting case. A lot of people might want to spend a lot of money on him”, added Chopra. Suresh Raina last played for India in 2018 and has retired from international cricket. The Muradnagar-born batter did not play in the Indian T20 League this year," he added.

Interestingly all six teams in the South Africa T20 League were bought by the owners of Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Lucknow and Hyderabad teams in the Indian T20 League.

League commissioner, Graeme Smith has been ecstatic at the development and said, "The strong sports background of the respective owners and the global brands they manage ensures that South African cricket and the broader industry will benefit from their expertise and resources, as they bring stability and experience to the league."