BCCI denies Thalaivan permission to play in TNPL

Former Tamil Nadu batsman Thalaivan Sargunam, who has now moved to Puducherry, had requested BCCI to allow him to continue playing for Siechem Madurai Panthers in the TNPL.

Thalaivan Sargunam has represented Siachem Madurai Panthers and Chepauk Super Gillies in the TNPL.

The BCCI has turned down top-order batsman Thalaivan Sargunam’s request seeking permission to play in the 2019 Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).

The former Tamil Nadu batsman, who has now moved to Puducherry, had wanted to continue playing for TNPL champion Siechem Madurai Panthers.

However, the BCCI’s General Manager, Syed Saba Karim, in his reply to Thalaivan - the letter is in Sportstar' s possession -  has said, “As per the BCCI advisory issued to all State associations, desiring to conduct State Association T20 tournaments, eligibility of participants is restricted to only those players who are registered with the Staging Association and qualify to represent the said Staging Association for the purpose of BCCI domestic tournaments.”

Therefore, the letter said, Thalaivan could not take part in TNPL, 2019. The verdict means the Madurai team’s captain D. Rohit, who also turns out for Puducherrry in the Ranji Trophy and the other Board domestic competitions, will not be allowed by the BCCI to showcase his ability in TNPL.

BCCI’s guidelines for player participation in TNPL could have a domino effect making several Tamil Nadu-born cricketers, who have now shifted loyalties to Puducherry, ineligible for TNPL.

On its part, the Cricket Association of Puducherry has secured permission from the BCCI to conduct its own Twenty20 league, although it cannot do so this year once the Board’s domestic season starts in August.