Former India international Ambati Rayudu is set to lock horns with the BCCI again. The Indian Cricket Board remains adamant about holding onto their IPL stars – both current and former. However, Rayudu, who previously had a tussle with the BCCI, has signed for Caribbean Premier League (CPL) side St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
Rayudu, who played for CSK in IPL 2023, has signed up for the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots side as their marquee player, ESPNcricinfo reported. The 37-yeard old could become the second player after Pravin Tambe to play in the Caribbean Premier League. He won six IPL titles—three each with the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
“I’m really excited to be joining the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. I look forward to having a positive contribution to the team in the upcoming CPL 2023,” Rayudu said as per Cricinfo.
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Ambati Rayudu’s deal with the Patriots will see him fill the leadership void left by Dwayne Bravo. The leading wicket-taker in T20 cricket, Bravo returned to the Trinbago Knight Riders for CPL 2023. Rayudu and Bravo of course have been long-time teammates at CSK.
The timing of the deal is interesting. BCCI is still debating a cooling-off period for retired IPL stars to play in foreign leagues. That thought was set in motion by Rayudu’s signing for MLC side Texas Super Kings. The 37-year-old however later withdrew from the tournament. Previously Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan have also played in the ILT20 soon after their retirement from the IPL.
Currently, retired players are free to play in overseas leagues. But BCCI is concerned that with mushrooming leagues abroad, more and more players could opt for a route backed by IPL-owned franchises. The issue was discussed at the BCCI AGM in July, with a final decision left to the office bearers.
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