More Indian players in The Hundred

Legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin does not think India players will compete in The Hundred or other international franchise leagues any time soon.

Ashwin, 39, retired from international cricket in 2024 and the Indian Premier League (IPL) a year later, and has been playing franchise cricket globally since.

BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) rules prevent its men's players from playing in other T20 franchise leagues.

However, there has been hope some of India's best players might play in similar competitions around the world since investment into four of The Hundred's teams by IPL-backed owners.

In September 2025, Ashwin was picked up by Sydney Thunder in Australia's Big Bash League as the first Indian men's player to feature in the tournament but he had to withdraw with a knee injury.

He is currently playing for the San Francisco Unicorns in the United States' Major League Cricket.

When asked if India players could play in other leagues besides the IPL, Ashwin told the BBC's Stumped podcast: "The honest answer is no.

"Whether you agree to it or not, the economic model means a lot to the game, and the IPL is standing at the cusp of probably having a valuation that's more than some of the other leagues.

"The IPL is able to retain the quality of players, local players especially, and Indian players are heavily marketable in the country.

"Enabling them to move on to another league, especially when they're contracted to play for their country, I don't think it's going happen.

"But you will see one-off cricketers here and there who will turn up and play in some of these leagues."

Another India cricketer that is making headlines is teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

The 15-year-old set another record last week by smashing a 11-ball half-century, the fastest in List A 50-over cricket, on his way to 94 from 29 balls for India A against Sri Lanka A earlier this month.

"I think he's special. When you watch someone special, you know it straight away," Ashwin added.

"What stood out with Vaibhav was not just the way he's batted, but it's also about how he's been able to make subtle adjustments with respect to some senior bowlers coming after him."

Sooryavanshi is in line to make his international debut this summer as he has been named in India's squads for T20 series against Ireland and England, starting in Belfast on Friday.

He made his IPL debut last year at the age of 14 and hit a 35-ball hundred, while he finished this year's tournament as the leading run-scorer, but Ashwin says the youngster must still focus on the enjoyment of the game.

"He's a 15-year-old kid, who I personally believe should have fun playing the game, just like you would in the gullies from his hometown," said Ashwin.

"He's not going to have a lot of long road ahead of him where he's going to play without pressure.

"It will eventually catch up, because it will turn into being work, but as of now, I would love for him to have fun and entertain all of us."

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