MUMBAI: The final list of players who have signed up for the Hero Caribbean Premier League Draft 2019 has been announced on the CPL website. A record 536 players from 20 overseas countries and the West Indies are available to be picked by the six franchises.
The big news however, is that there is an Indian in veteran all-rounder Irfan Pathan as the only entry from India. Could this be a sign that the monopolistic BCCI, which has thus far never allowed an active Indian cricketer to play in a prominent overseas Twenty20 League, is softening its position on the matter.
Hardly. What is more plausible, is that it is an affirmation that Pathan is likely out of the reckoning (or will soon be) not just for international duty, but domestic cricket as well.
Pathan, who was recently seen in the commentary box during the Indian Premier League was a regular fixture of the Indian team pre-2012. The left-arm swing bowler has won the T20 World Cup with India and has been involved in a number of match-winning performances for his country. The veteran also played domestic cricket for Jammu & Kashmir last season.
The former all-rounder will also serve as a mentor to the J&K side for the upcoming domestic season.
Coming back to the CPL, prior to the draft, each franchise will have the option to retain and/or acquire a maximum of six players, although there is no obligation to do so. The players they can potentially retain are as follows:
Minimum of three (3) West Indian players, a maximum of four (4)
Maximum of one (1) overseas player, reduced to none if four (4) West Indians retained
A Marquee Player whether retained or acquired
An ICC Americas Player, whether retained or acquired
All retentions will be announced during the live broadcast of the player draft which will be broadcast on the Hero CPL social media channels from 2pm GMT on 22 May.
Speaking about the player response to this year’s draft, Michael Hall, CPL Tournament Operations director, said: “The fact that so many players have registered for our draft is a testament to the stature of our league. Playing cricket in the Caribbean is something that all players look forward to, and the CPL combines that allure with a high standard of cricket. We expect that this year’s tournament will be no different.”
