After hanging up their boots for India, some cricketers don’t just stop playing. They pack their bags and go play in T20 leagues around the world.
These players bring their experience to teams in different countries. The crowds love watching Indian stars, and the players get to earn some money while enjoying the game without international pressure.
Let’s look at the Indian cricketers who went abroad to play in foreign T20 leagues after retiring from Indian cricket.
Top 8 Indian Cricketers Who Played in Foreign Leagues After Retirement
Here are the Indian players who took their talent overseas. We’ve listed them with details about which leagues they played in and what they did there.
| Rank | Player | League | Team | Year | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ravichandran Ashwin | BBL | Sydney Thunder | 2025-26 | First capped Indian player in the BBL |
| 2 | Munaf Patel | LPL | Kandy Tuskers | 2020 | 2011 World Cup winner |
| 3 | Yuvraj Singh | GT20 Canada | Toronto Nationals | 2019 | 153 runs, 2 wickets |
| 4 | Robin Uthappa | ILT20 | Dubai Capitals | 2023 | IPL champion |
| 5 | Yusuf Pathan | ILT20 | Dubai Capitals | 2023 | All-rounder |
| 6 | Ambati Rayudu | CPL | St Kitts & Nevis Patriots | 2023 | Middle-order batter |
| 7 | Shikhar Dhawan | NPL | Karnali Yaks | 2024 | First Indian in the Nepal league |
| 8 | Dinesh Karthik | SA20 | Paarl Royals | 2025 | Wicketkeeper-batter |
1. Ravichandran Ashwin (Sydney Thunder, BBL 2025-26)
Ashwin created history when he signed with the Sydney Thunder and became the first capped Indian player to get a deal with a BBL team. After retiring from all Indian cricket, including IPL, he signed up with the Sydney Thunder and will play in BBL 2025-26.
Why is this special? The BBL is one of the world’s biggest T20 leagues. Ashwin wanted to try something new after years of playing for India. His off-spin and batting skills will help Thunder chase the title.
2. Munaf Patel (Kandy Tuskers, LPL 2020)
Munaf was part of India’s famous 2011 World Cup team. The fast bowler retired in 2018, but still had some cricket left in him. Two years later, he went to Sri Lanka to play in the Lanka Premier League.
He represented Kandy Tuskers in 2020. It was nice to see the World Cup hero back on the field. Even though he was older, he still had some tricks up his sleeve with the ball.
3. Yuvraj Singh (Toronto Nationals, GT20 Canada 2019)
Yuvi was India’s hero in two World Cups. After retiring, he joined Global T20 Canada in 2019. He played for the Toronto Nationals and showed he could still smash the ball.
In six matches, he scored 153 runs and picked up 2 wickets. That left-handed power hitting was still there, and Canadian fans got to see one of India’s greatest players up close.
4. Robin Uthappa (Dubai Capitals, ILT20 2023)
Robin was a solid IPL player for many years. After quitting Indian cricket in 2022, he didn’t waste time and signed with Dubai Capitals for the ILT20 in 2023.
The UAE league was new and exciting, and Robin brought his experience to the team. His quick scoring at the top of the order was exactly what Dubai Capitals needed.
5. Yusuf Pathan (Dubai Capitals, ILT20 2023)
Yusuf is a two-time World Champion and three-time IPL winner. He retired from Indian cricket in 2021. Like Uthappa, he joined Dubai Capitals in the first year of ILT20.
Two former Indian stars on the same team made the Dubai Capitals really popular. Yusuf’s power hitting was still dangerous. He showed that retirement doesn’t mean finished.
6. Ambati Rayudu (St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, CPL 2023)
Rayudu was a smart middle-order batter for India and CSK. After retiring from international and IPL cricket in 2023, he headed to the Caribbean. He joined the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League.
CPL is known for its party atmosphere and tough cricket. Rayudu’s experience was valuable for the Patriots. Playing in the Caribbean must have been a fun change from the pressure of Indian cricket.
7. Shikhar Dhawan (Nepal Premier League 2024)
Dhawan was India’s reliable opening batter for years. That famous moustache and his celebration moves were loved everywhere. He ended his international and IPL career in 2024.
He made more history by becoming the first Indian player to play in the Nepal Premier League. Nepal cricket fans were thrilled to see Gabbar on their grounds. He’s helping grow cricket in neighbouring countries.
8. Dinesh Karthik (Paarl Royals, SA20 2025)
Dinesh Karthik was the finisher who saved many matches for India and in the IPL. The wicketkeeper-batter joined South Africa’s SA20 league in 2025. He signed with the Paarl Royals.
SA20 is becoming one of the top leagues in the world. Karthik’s smart batting and keeping skills are perfect for T20 cricket. He’s still showing why he was one of India’s best finishers.
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Conclusion: A Few Indian Cricketers Have Played in BBL and Other Leagues
Indian players are finding new homes in T20 leagues worldwide. From Australia to the Caribbean to Nepal, they’re spreading their talent around. These leagues get star power, and the players get to keep playing the game they love.
It’s good for cricket overall. Young players in different countries learn from these Indian legends. And fans get to watch their heroes even after they’ve retired from international duty.
FAQs
They love cricket and want to keep playing. Foreign leagues pay well, and there’s less pressure than international cricket. It’s also fun to see new countries and help grow cricket there. Plus, they can play without worrying about national team selection.
Ravichandran Ashwin broke that barrier. He joined Sydney Thunder for the 2025-26 season and became the first capped Indian player in the Big Bash League. Before him, only uncapped Indians had played there.
The ILT20 in the UAE has attracted several Indians. Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan both played for Dubai Capitals. The league is new, rich, and close to India, which makes it attractive for retired players.
BCCI rules say active Indian cricketers can only play in the IPL. They can’t join BBL, CPL, SA20, or any other foreign league. Only after retiring from Indian cricket can they play elsewhere.
These leagues pay decent money. Not as much as IPL, but still good. More importantly, retired players get to travel, enjoy cricket without pressure, and be cricket ambassadors in different countries.
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