How Rishi Dhawan Is Playing Caribbean T10 Competition After Playing Ranji Trophy?

Rishi Dhawan, the experienced Indian all-rounder, is currently showcasing his skills for the Grand Cayman Falcons in the Max60 - a 10-over league being held in the Caribbean.

His presence in an overseas franchise tournament has sparked curiosity, especially since the BCCI does not allow active Indian male players to participate in foreign T20 leagues.

So how did Dhawan get the green light?

The key lies in his retirement from Indian limited-overs cricket earlier this year. Although Dhawan featured for Himachal Pradesh across all three formats in the previous domestic season - including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy - he made an emotional announcement after the 50-over competition, stepping away from white-ball cricket in India.

"It's with a heavy heart, even though I have no regrets, that I'd like to announce my retirement from Indian cricket (Limited over). It's a sport that has defined my life for the past 20 years. This game has given me immeasurable joy and countless memories that would always stay very close to my heart," Dhawan said.

Under the BCCI's revised policy, players who retire from international cricket and the IPL, and also distance themselves from white-ball domestic formats, are permitted to feature in overseas franchise competitions. Since Dhawan no longer plays in India's limited-overs circuit, he meets the eligibility criteria to participate in leagues like the Max60.

Now 34, Dhawan played three ODIs and one T20I for India in 2016, claiming two wickets in total. Despite limited international opportunities, he built a solid domestic career, scoring 4,925 runs and taking 355 wickets in first-class cricket, along with impressive records in List A and T20 formats. He also featured in 39 IPL matches for Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings across 12 seasons.

Interestingly, Ankit Rajpoot, who announced his retirement in December 2023, is also playing in the Max60. With the BCCI's stance clear, more retired Indian cricketers may follow this path to continue playing the game globally.