The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) enforces a stringent policy when it comes to Indian men’s cricketers participating in overseas T20 leagues. Players who aim to represent India in international cricket, play in domestic tournaments, or feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are prohibited from taking part in T20 leagues outside of the IPL.
1. Munaf Patel: Lanka Premier League (LPL)
Munaf Patel, a member of India’s 2011 ICC ODI World Cup-winning squad and the Rajasthan Royals’ IPL title-winning team in 2008, retired from international cricket in 2018. After retiring, he continued his cricketing career in overseas T20 leagues and was signed by the Kandy Tuskers for the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL).
2. Yuvraj Singh: Global T20 Canada (GT20)
After announcing his retirement from international cricket and the IPL in 2019, Yuvraj Singh joined the second edition of the Global T20 Canada in 2020, where he was drafted by the Toronto Nationals. He played six matches, scoring 153 runs and taking two wickets. Yuvraj remains a legend for his contributions to India’s victories in the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 and the ICC ODI World Cup 2011.
3. Robin Uthappa: International League T20 (ILT20)
Robin Uthappa, a former Indian batsman and member of the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup-winning squad, retired from international and IPL cricket in 2022. After his retirement, he was signed by Dubai Capitals for the 2023 season of the ILT20. Uthappa had an accomplished IPL career, winning three titles with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
4. Yusuf Pathan: International League T20 (ILT20)
Yusuf Pathan, a former Indian all-rounder, played a key role in India’s World Cup victories in 2007 (T20) and 2011 (ODI). After announcing his retirement in 2021, he joined the ILT20 with Dubai Capitals for the 2023 season. Pathan had a successful IPL career, winning titles with Rajasthan Royals (2008) and Kolkata Knight Riders (2012 and 2014).
5. Ambati Rayudu: Caribbean Premier League (CPL)
After playing 61 international matches for India, Ambati Rayudu retired in 2023 following his controversial exclusion from the 2019 World Cup squad. He was a key player in the IPL, amassing over 4,000 runs and winning six IPL titles with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Rayudu made history by becoming the second Indian player to feature in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after Pravin Tambe, joining the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots in 2023.
6. Shikhar Dhawan: Nepal Premier League (NPL)
Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most successful ODI openers, retired in August 2024 after an illustrious career. Known for his contributions to India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2013 victory and his consistent performances in ODIs, Dhawan also excelled in the IPL. His first overseas T20 league after retirement was the 2024 Nepal Premier League (NPL), where he showcased his skills in the opening role.
7. Dinesh Karthik: SA20
Dinesh Karthik, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, retired from international and Indian cricket in 2024. Karthik played in 180 international matches for India and was part of the 2007 T20 World Cup-winning squad. He also had a memorable IPL career with six teams. After his retirement, Karthik joined Paarl Royals for the 2025 SA20 league, marking his first overseas T20 league appearance.