Yuvraj Singh contemplating retirement, reportedly seeking BCCI permission for freelance T20 career

Yuvraj Singh has been India’s greatest match-winner during his heydays. He was the key factor in India’s 2007 World T20 title in South Africa while his all-round exploits helped India win the 2011 World Cup at home. His knocks in ODIs and T20Is have made him one of the most accomplished limited-overs players that India have been blessed with. In 2017, he had made a good comeback in the series against England as he smashed a century but poor form and fitness in the coming seasons, combined with the rotation policy of skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri saw Yuvraj out of the team.

The left-hander, who became the first player to smash six sixes in one over in Twenty20 Internationals, attempted a comeback with performances in the domestic circuit for Punjab but he could not make amends. A poor IPL 2019, where he scored one fifty for Mumbai Indians, meant his chances of a comeback dimmed and when his name was omitted from the 15-man squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, the feeling was that Yuvraj’s aim to come back in the Indian team was over.

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According to reports, with Yuvraj now feeling his India days are over, the left-hander is considering retiring from all formats and is seeking permission from the BCCI to pursue a career as a freelance Twenty20 player in leagues like the Caribbean Premier League, Big Bash League and other leagues approved by the ICC.

Speaking to PTI, a source said, “Yuvraj is thinking of calling it quits from international and first-class cricket. He would like to speak to the BCCI and get more clarity on plying his trade in tournaments like GT20 (Canada), Euro T20 Slam in Ireland and Holland as he has offered.”

Currently, no Indian is allowed by the BCCI to feature in foreign Twenty20 leagues. Recently, Irfan Pathan was included in the draft for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) but his name was withdrawn later. Speaking about why Irfan had to withdraw his name, a senior BCCI official said, “Irfan was told to withdraw his name from the draft. As far as Yuvraj is concerned, we need to check the rules. Even if he retires from first-class cricket, he will still be an active T20 player registered under BCCI. The rule needs to be checked.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Yuvraj Singh last played for India in 2017 in the series in West Indies.
• Yuvraj Singh did not play many games for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2019.
• No Indian player is currently allowed by the BCCI to play in foreign Twenty20 leagues.