'It's not about money, I'm happy with what I have' - Suresh Raina reveals why he wants to play in foreign leagues

Over the past few weeks, the debate over allowing Indian players to play in foreign leagues has been doing rounds across social media. Suresh Raina was the first Indian player to urge the BCCI to allow its players to participate in various foreign leagues. The left-hander received much support for his opinion and he was also backed by many players including Robin Uthappa and Irfan Pathan.

According to the rules, an ‘active Indian player’ is only allowed to play domestic cricket and IPL. However, the player can ply his trade in foreign leagues once he retires from Indian cricket, including the IPL. Due to this rule, Harbhajan Singh had to withdraw his name from ‘The Hundred’ as he is still active in the Indian circuit while playing for Chennai Super Kings. Similarly, Yuvraj was also allowed to play Global T20 Canada after he bid adieu to Indian sport.

Raina, while reigniting the issue once again, revealed why he wants to play overseas. Raina was involved in a conversation with cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra when the left-hander cleared that it’s not about money but match practice. According to Raina, if a cricketer sits at home for two months, it hampers his confidence.

Raina further said that money is not a concern for him and he is happy with the money he has. Meanwhile, he just needs match practice and play quality cricket.

‘Ranji Trophy standard isn’t of that quality now’: Suresh Raina

“It’s not about money. The money that we earn in IPL, we can’t get it anywhere. Even if we play foreign leagues for 10 years, we won’t be able to earn that much. The thing is when cricket (IPL) is over, players who aren’t contracted….give them a chance. We want to play one league or two leagues. We just want to play. Ranji Trophy standard isn’t of that quality now,” he said.

“We need match practice. If we sit at home for two months….even if we play domestic cricket..you won’t have that confidence. We want to play quality cricket. I am not playing for money. I am happy with money I have,” Raina added.

Despite a few cricketers coming out in support of Raina, the BCCI isn’t expected to change the existing norms. BCCI thinks that Indian players will become cash cows for the board and league they will play for and in the process, IPL might lose its dominance and its monopoly in the sport. Hence, Indian players are currently barred from plying their trade in overseas leagues.

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