LONDON — The Hundred, England's fast-paced cricket tournament, has quickly become a global attraction, drawing top talent from around the world. Yet, one glaring absence remains: India's male cricketers. BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team explores why the world's richest cricket board doesn't allow its players to participate in The Hundred.
The BCCI's Stance on Overseas Leagues
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has long maintained a strict policy prohibiting active Indian male cricketers from playing in overseas T20 leagues. Unlike players from Australia, England, or South Africa—who frequently feature in tournaments like the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) or the Big Bash League (BBL)—Indian stars are restricted to domestic competitions and the Indian Premier League (IPL). "The BCCI wants to protect its investments and ensure player availability for national duties," explains cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle.
This policy isn't arbitrary. The BCCI argues that allowing players to participate in foreign leagues could lead to:
- Fatigue and injury risks due to excessive cricket
- Conflicts with India's domestic season
- Dilution of the IPL's exclusivity as the premier T20 league
The IPL Factor
The IPL's dominance plays a pivotal role in this decision. With an annual valuation exceeding $10 billion, the league is the BCCI's crown jewel. Allowing Indian players to join rival leagues could weaken the IPL's appeal. "Why would the BCCI risk its golden goose?" asks former England captain Michael Vaughan.
Additionally, the IPL's packed schedule leaves little room for other commitments. The tournament runs for nearly two months, often overlapping with The Hundred's window in July-August. Even if the BCCI relaxed its rules, fixture clashes would make participation nearly impossible.
A Rare Exception: Women's Cricket
Interestingly, the BCCI's restrictions don't apply to female cricketers. Indian stars like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur have featured in The Hundred's women's edition. "The women's game is still growing, so the BCCI encourages global exposure," notes journalist Sharda Ugra.
Player Contracts and Centrality
Indian cricketers sign exclusive contracts with the BCCI, binding them to domestic and international commitments. Unlike their English or Australian counterparts—who operate as freelancers—Indian players have limited autonomy. "The BCCI controls their schedules entirely," says sports lawyer Rahul Mehra.
This centralization ensures players prioritize national team duties and the IPL. For example, when Virat Kohli was asked about The Hundred in 2021, he replied, "My calendar is dictated by the BCCI. I go where they tell me."
The Financial Equation
Money also plays a role. Indian cricketers earn significantly more from IPL contracts and central BCCI retainers than they would in The Hundred. A top-tier Indian player can earn upwards of $2 million per IPL season, while The Hundred's highest salary cap is £125,000 (approx. $150,000).
Moreover, the BCCI shares IPL revenue with players, creating additional financial incentives. "Why would they trade IPL millions for a smaller paycheck abroad?" remarks financial analyst Joy Bhattacharjya.
The Future: Will It Change?
While the current policy seems rigid, some speculate that the BCCI might reconsider as cricket's landscape evolves. The rise of franchise leagues and player demands for greater flexibility could force a rethink. However, as of 2024, there's no indication of a policy shift.
Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly once hinted at potential changes, stating, "We’ll review policies based on what’s best for Indian cricket." But for now, fans will have to wait to see Indian male stars in The Hundred.
In conclusion, the absence of India's male cricketers in The Hundred stems from the BCCI's protective policies, the IPL's dominance, and financial considerations. While the women's team enjoys more freedom, the men remain bound by contractual and strategic constraints. Unless the BCCI revises its stance, The Hundred will continue to miss out on one of cricket's biggest draws.