Test on players of Indian origin who competed in domestic cricket leagues abroad

In the early days of cricket, Ranjitsinhji made history as the first Indian to feature in the prestigious County Championship in England, back in 1895. His groundbreaking achievement paved the way for more Indian cricketers to follow suit.

Just a few years later, in less than a month after Ranjitsinhji's debut, ME Pavri became the second Indian to play in the County Championship. Not only did Pavri share the field with Ranjitsinhji, but he also had the honour of catching him during his debut match.

Fast forward to the 1960s, and the landscape of cricket began to change, leading to the creation of T20 franchise leagues worldwide. This shift in the game allowed more Indian cricketers to play overseas, with the County Championship seeing several notable names such as Farokh Engineer, Bishan Singh Bedi, and S Venkataraghavan all having long stints in England.

The trend of Indians playing overseas domestic cricket, particularly in the County Championship, continued to grow. From 1968, more and more Indians began to play in England as overseas professionals no longer needed to qualify. This rule change in 1968 allowed for a greater number of Indian cricketers to participate in the County Championship.

In the modern era, the influence of T20 franchise leagues is undeniable. Stars like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Sachin Tendulkar had briefer encounters playing cricket in England, but their impact on the game is immeasurable. Their presence in these leagues, along with many others, has helped to popularise cricket globally.

Even in the current T20 era, Indian cricketers continue to make their mark overseas. Yuvraj Singh, for example, played in the Global T20 Canada. And as the game continues to evolve, it seems likely that we will see even more Indian cricketers gracing the pitches of England and beyond.

Recently, R Ashwin, a prominent figure in the Indian cricket team, announced that he will take up contracts after his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). This decision suggests that the trend of Indian cricketers playing overseas will continue well into the future.

In conclusion, the journey of Indian cricketers in England provides an interesting glimpse into the evolution of the game. From Ranjitsinhji's groundbreaking debut to the modern era of T20 franchise leagues, the story is one of perseverance, innovation, and the enduring love for the sport.

Test on players of Indian origin who competed in domestic cricket leagues abroad