Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa slams BCCI for a new policy on 'cooling off' period

Robin Uthappa announced his retirement from International Cricket in September last year.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced that they will be formulating a new policy regarding Indian players taking part in the various T20 leagues around the world. The BCCI decided that players, after announcing their retirement or coming out of central contract, will need to serve a ‘cooling off’ period before playing in leagues apart from the Indian Premier League. So far, no Indian cricketer has taken part in any other league apart from the Indian Premier League. Now, Robin Uthappa has openly criticized BCCI’s policy and called it ‘unfair’. 

Robin Uthappa calls ‘cooling off’ period ‘unfair’

The BCCI is yet to take a final call on this matter. Robin Uthappa, while talking about the ‘cooling off’ period rule to PTI, slammed the board and said, “I think it is human nature to feel uncomfortable about it. We do not have any central contract with the BCCI; we are not playing cricket in India anymore, so it certainly does make you feel a little uncomfortable and unfair, for sure.” This was discussed at BCCI’s apex council meeting on July 20, 2023. This policy stirred a debate in Indian cricket.

Robin Uthappa also said that certain solutions can be reached through communication. He said, “There are certain solutions that can be reached. If there is a possibility of communication. We could reach a solution that suits everybody.” Robin Uthappa recently played in the Zimbabwe-Afro T20 League for the Harare Hurricanes and also in the ILT20 for the Dubai Capitals. Uthappa played a magnificent knock of 88 runs in 36 balls against the Cape Town Samp Army in the Zim-Afro T10 League.

Robin Uthappa also credited the BCCI for looking after their players, whether they are playing or retired. Uthappa said, “The BCCI has certainly looked after all of us. I am certain whatever decision they take will be in the best interest of the BCCI and the players who are going to play in the IPL.”

Robin Uthappa played 46 ODI games and 13 T20Is for team India. Uthappa was part of the India’s 2007 T20 World Cup-winning squad under MS Dhoni. Uthappa had a magnificent record in the Indian Premier League as well.

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