Overview
- The BCCI’s Apex Council discussed the proposal on Thursday and reviewed a plan that would bar players who retire to join foreign T20 leagues from returning to Indian cricket for as long as five years.
- Reports describe a possible one-year reduction in the cooling-off period for players who retire but do not actually play in overseas competitions, but no rule has been finalized.
- The debate was triggered by Vijay Shankar’s recent retirement and quick signing with the Kandy Royals in the Lanka Premier League and came as wicketkeeper KS Bharat announced his international retirement.
- Board officials say the policy would require formal drafting and legal vetting because the BCCI already prohibits active Indian players from joining rival T20 leagues and needs enforceable rules to close the retirement loophole.
- If adopted, the rule would affect players’ earning plans and IPL contracts and could change career timing for domestic stars, while enforcement details and exceptions remain to be decided by the BCCI leadership.