WATCH: Domestic T20 leagues promote local talent, says Azharuddin in LPL praise

FORMER INDIA CAPTAIN Mohammad Azharuddin has praised the Lanka Premier League, and domestic T20 leagues in general, for the proving ground they provide for the local players.

Speaking to reporters at R Premadasa Stadium, the current Hyderabad Cricket Association president said,

"Every country having their own league, it will give the local players a lot of chances... from the smaller places where they hardly get a chance. So when they come and play, they play with international players... it's a very good thing, a very good idea. I congratulate the Sri Lankan cricket board for taking this initiative... I'm sure it was very tough for the first couple of years because of COVID... but I think you have turned it around. The results have shown in Sri Lanka winning Asia Cup, which was very very pleasing."

However, the former captain who represented India in 99 Test matches, refused to comment on BCCI's decision to bar recently retired Indian players from playing in foreign T20 leagues,

"I think that's a board prerogative. I think our board has that agreement with the players, so, I think it's very hard for me to comment on that because the board has got their rules, they follow the rules... because the players are contracted to the board."

BCCI's decision was likely caused by a trend among cricketers to retire from international cricket just so they could play in lucrative T20 leagues throughout the year.

Azharuddin also rued the fact that during his playing days there were not so many leagues around the world where players could ply their trade and earn a living.

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