Choice is theirs: BCCI puts unfair restrictions on men cricketers

Source– The post is based on the article “Choice is theirs: BCCI puts unfair restrictions on men cricketers” published in the “The Times of India” on 8th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Government policies and interventions

Relevance- Issues related to sports administration

News- The article explains the issue of male players regarding BCCI restrictions on their overseas business

What are the concerns of male cricketers?

Women cricketers can do business overseas without jeopardising their career. Their male counterparts are denied that right. Male cricketers must retire from all forms of domestic cricket to get that opportunity. This is unfair.

Media reports indicate that the BCCI is thinking about cooling off periods for retired players before they look for overseas opportunities. Cooling off makes sense in sensitive areas such as the military or government to prevent conflicts of interest. But it is not the case with cricket.

What is the way forward for better career prospects for male cricketers?

England and Australia allow their players to find the balance between club contacts and national duty. It’s a realistic approach. Peak earning potential for a cricketer is limited to a few years.

BCCI should take a pragmatic approach and leave it to active players to decide about their business contracts.