The new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to hold its player auction on 16 December, an event eagerly anticipated by cricket fans. Supporters are keen to learn which players will join which teams for the forthcoming edition. However, even before the IPL auction, another auction has drawn significant attention: the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) draft, where the inclusion of Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla has become a major talking point. This marks the first time an active Indian player has submitted his name for the BPL.
For the upcoming BPL season, more than 500 overseas cricketers registered for the draft. Of them, 250 have made it into the final list. Alongside them, 158 Bangladeshi local players will also be available in the draft. The BPL season 12 player draft is scheduled for 30 November at 3 pm.
Chawla, now 36, announced his complete retirement from Indian cricket in June 2025. This retirement included stepping away from international cricket, domestic cricket, and also the IPL. By formally withdrawing from all cricket under the jurisdiction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Chawla has removed all regulatory barriers that previously prevented Indian players from participating in foreign leagues, including the BPL.
Under BCCI regulations, any Indian cricketer who remains active in Indian domestic cricket or in the IPL is not permitted to participate in any overseas franchise league. This rule applies even if the player is not contracted by the national team. Only a full retirement from all BCCI-recognised cricket allows a player to seek opportunities abroad. Since Chawla has fulfilled every requirement, he is eligible to enter the BPL draft.
Although Chawla is the first Indian cricketer to register for the BPL, he is not the first to feature in a foreign league after retirement. Before him, the likes of Dinesh Karthik, Pravin Tambe and Unmukt Chand also took part in overseas franchise competitions following their retirement from Indian cricket. However, Chawla’s decision is historically significant as it marks the first involvement of an Indian cricketer in the BPL since the league’s inception.
Chawla’s career includes 35 international appearances for India, and he was notably a member of the country’s 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup-winning squad. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a dependable leg-spinner, contributing consistently in the IPL and other domestic tournaments. Given his experience and skill set, several BPL teams are expected to show interest during the draft.
With his entry, discussions have intensified regarding the rigid stance of the BCCI on foreign league participation. Some believe the inclusion of former Indian players enhances the global appeal of franchise cricket. Others argue that the BCCI’s policy helps protect the exclusivity and value of domestic competitions like the IPL. Regardless of the wider debate, Chawla’s participation is likely to draw added attention to the BPL and may encourage other retired Indian players to consider similar paths.
The BPL draft on 30 November will confirm whether Chawla’s historic decision translates into a contract. For now, his presence alone has already made this year’s draft one of the most talked-about in tournament history.