Mumbai Indians head coach Mark Boucher has spoken about the possibility of Indian captain Rohit Sharma playing in the SA20. He said it would be amazing to have Indian players play in the league and hinted that it could be a possibility in the future.

Over the years, many foreign cricket experts have expressed their desire to see Indian players in foreign leagues. However, due to BCCI policy, Team India players are not allowed to participate in foreign leagues.

Since SA20 was introduced, there have been several rumors that Indian players could participate in the league at some point. This is because the tournament franchises are owned by the owners of the IPL teams.

Several former South African players, including SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers, expressed their desire to see the likes of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli in the league. But for now the BCCI remains stern with its statement and no player can play in leagues.

Recently, Hindustan Times asked Mark Boucher, during a media interaction, about the participation of Indian players, particularly Rohit Sharma, in SA20. However, the Mumbai Indians head coach said that convincing the BCCI and the Indian players will be above his pay grade.

Mark Boucher admitted that if Indian players come to play SA20, it will be a big boost for the league. He explained:

“I think it would be amazing if we got some of the Indian players involved. I don’t know, it’s probably above my pay grade to make those decisions. I know many of the Indian players don’t play in any league in the world except the IPL. So maybe that’s a BCCI thing.

“But yes, you are right. It would be great to see some of the best Indian players play in the South African league. “It would definitely push our league to a different level as I am sure there will be many other countries that have their own local leagues and would love Indians to play in their leagues as well.”

Mark Boucher further hinted that Indian players playing in the league could be a possibility in the future. He added:

“But like I said, it hasn’t happened for some reason. Maybe it will be in the future. We may see one or two players come and play in these leagues, but yeah, I’m not too sure. “As I said, I think it is above my pay grade to answer or ask questions to the BCCI.”

Indian players are only open to playing in the foreign league once they announce their complete retirement from Indian cricket. Recently Ambati Rayudu did the same and will participate in foreign leagues.

SAT20 2024: I think it’s a great idea: Mark Boucher on bringing SA20 to India

Mark Boucher was also asked about the possibility of bringing the SA20 to India in the future. Responding to this, he said that it would be a great idea. He highlighted how the IPL was played in 2009 in South Africa. He explained:

“I think it’s a great idea; I’m not against it. The IPL took place in South Africa and we can do the same as both cricket nations share a great relationship. Although the challenges of playing in India will be different, it will still be great Maybe Graeme Smith (SA20 commissioner) can work on it.”

The second edition of SA20 is currently underway. There have been two exciting matches so far and the tournament promises to be exciting.