Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has said that he hopes more contracted Indian players will get a chance to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) in the future. The 44-year-old hoped that the signing of Ravichandran Ashwin with the Sydney Thunder helped pave the way for more Indians to feature in the T20 tournament Down under.
The 39-year-old became the first Indian male player to be signed by a BBL franchise last week when he was signed by the David Warner-led franchise for the upcoming season.
“Ravi [Ashwin] has been an amazing player for India and in the IPL, and he’s done a lot for the game. So, I think to have him come and now play in Australian domestic league, the BBL, I am hoping it opens the door not only if you retire from playing for India and now come and play, I am hoping there’s a possibility somehow, say there’s a player who’s not involved in the Indian Test series but the BBL is on. I am hoping the BCCI will slowly open that door so the players can keep playing cricket,” Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.
Clarke admitted that he was not surprised by India’s win in the Asia Cup 2025, noting that their manner of victory was impressive. The Men in Blue defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the summit clash on Sunday to clinch their ninth Asia Cup title.
“It’s great they [Pakistan] made the finals. There’s no doubt about it, but I think the reality is India’s got the measure of them. I think India dominated that whole Asia Cup… They were the favorites, and I am not surprised they won. I think the most impressive thing from India’s perspective is how they won. They knew they were the favorites, and they played that way,” Clarke said.
Michael Clarke says playing in IPL is helping Indian players thrive in international cricket
Michael Clarke admitted that exposure to the Indian Premier League (IPL) has helped the Indian players improve under pressure and deliver on the international stage.
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“There’s a T20 World Cup around the corner for the men in February, and even One Day cricket now, I just think opposition teams need to find a way to put pressure back into this Indian team because they’re just [too good]. They are playing in tournaments like the IPL, where these young players are coming through, and they’re learning how to deal with pressure at a young age.”
“So, one of Australia’s cricket strengths for a long time was winning and dominating World Cups. Maximum pressure, dealing with it, being able to execute, and winning World Cups. Not making the final but winning. Indian young players are learning these traits from a young age in and around the IPL. You’re playing in front of a full houses and TV coverage,” Clarke said.
India’s next T20I assignment will be a five-match series against Australia Down Under in October.
The post‘I am hoping the BCCI will slowly open that door’: Michael Clarke reacts to Ravichandran Ashwin signing with Sydney Thunder in Big Bash League | Cricket News appeared first on Indian Express
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