From Indian Domestic Cricket to USA’s Major League: BCCI’s Passport Rule Impact – Best11.in

Young players who excel in franchise tournaments like the IPL often get opportunities in the Indian team. However, some players who perform well in domestic cricket fail to secure a spot in the Indian team and, disappointed, move to other countries. Unmukt Chand, a former India Under-19 captain, is an example. Similarly, Agnidev Chopra, a young talent who shone in India’s 2023-24 domestic season, is now playing in the USA’s Major League Cricket (MLC) in 2020.

The question arises: how is this young player participating in a foreign franchise league when Indian players typically cannot? Normally, Indian players can only play in overseas leagues after retiring from all forms of Indian cricket and obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC). For instance, in 2019, former Indian star Yuvraj Singh played in Canada’s Global T20 League under such conditions. However, Agnidev Chopra’s case is different. Born in Detroit, USA, he does not hold an Indian passport, which allows him to play in the MLC.

Chopra previously stated in an interview with *The Times of India*: “I have applied for an Indian passport. If I get selected for the Indian Premier League this time, I will try to stay in India. Otherwise, I will return to the USA.” However, in 2024, the BCCI introduced a rule mandating an Indian passport for players to participate in domestic cricket. This regulation effectively bars Chopra from playing in Indian domestic cricket. Consequently, he faces no obstacles in playing in the MLC. Even if he gets an opportunity in the IPL, he would play as a foreign player.

Chopra has played in India’s domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2023-24. The departure of such a talented player to another country is undoubtedly a loss for Indian cricket.