Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg Talks Big Bash League's Potential for Indian Players, Including Virat Kohli

Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg has stirred excitement across the cricketing world by suggesting that the Big Bash League (BBL) could one day open its doors to Indian players — including icons like Virat Kohli. While Indian cricketers have long been absent from overseas T20 leagues due to BCCI’s strict participation policies, Greenberg’s remarks hint at a potential shift that could redefine the global T20 landscape and elevate the BBL’s profile to unprecedented heights.

Speaking at a recent media session, Greenberg pointed out the vast popularity and reach of Indian cricket, admitting that no league can assert worldwide status without the involvement of some Indian players. "We all recognize the power and passion that Indian cricket has to offer to the sport.". Having a couple of Indian players in the Big Bash would be a dream come true — not only for supporters, but for the development of the league itself," he said.

Greenberg admitted that while such a collaboration remains complex, conversations around it are slowly evolving. He pointed out that the cricketing ecosystem is changing rapidly, with players now having more influence over where and how they play. “There are growing opportunities for partnerships. The key is finding a balance that respects the BCCI’s framework while creating mutual benefits for both sides,” he added.

The BBL, now one of the globe's most-watched home T20 leagues, has been compared to the Indian Premier League (IPL) numerous times. Yet, its absence of Indian participation is a missing ingredient. Having players such as Kohli, Rohit Sharma, or Suryakumar Yadav would not just increase viewership but attract great commercial interest from Indian broadcasters and sponsors. Greenberg admitted this possibility, saying that Indian players' participation would "take the BBL to a new level internationally."

The concept is not without its challenges, though. The BCCI presently keeps contracted Indian players out of overseas leagues to preserve the exclusivity and status of the IPL. The policy helps Indian cricket be the featured entertainment in the international T20 marketplace. However, Greenberg is hopeful that future partnerships can be negotiated to suit the interests of both boards. "We completely accept the BCCI's stance," he explained. "But cricket changes very quickly, and we should never close the door on new developments."

There are increasingly vocal calls from within the cricket world for greater flexibility. With the game now more and more franchise-based, there are a number of experts who think that participation in a different league could provide players with invaluable experience

alongside improving international cricket relations. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting recently made a similar call, suggesting Indian players would make the BBL "the most-watched league outside of India overnight.

Fans, also, have been enthusiastic about the prospect. Social media was abuzz with responses picturing stars like Kohli in Sydney Sixers or Melbourne Stars jerseys. According to many, such visits, even if restricted to special exhibition matches or brief guest appearances, would only add massively to the league's entertainment quotient and international popularity.

Greenberg's comments also follow Cricket Australia looking for novel ways of revamping the fan base for the BBL. The league has suffered tough competition from the IPL and more recent leagues such as SA20 and ILT20. Opening up participation by Indians, even on an invitational or trial basis, may push the BBL back into the limelight and attract new foreign viewers.

In summary, Todd Greenberg's dream of opening the Big Bash League doors to Indian players, such as superstars Virat Kohli, is a dream and a challenge. Though introducing it now may not be feasible given current laws in place, that it is being discussed is testament to the increasing interdependence of international cricket economies. If it is achieved, even to some extent, it would represent a watershed moment for franchise cricket — one that unites two of the sport's largest cricketing nations on the common ground of the game.