BBL 2021-22: Unmukt Chand signs for Melbourne Renegades, to become first Indian male to play in the tournament

Unmukt Chand has become the first Indian player to sign up for an Australian franchise in the Big Bash League. He had announced his retirement from Indian cricket earlier this year to explore opportunities overseas.

Former Indian cricketer Unmukt Chand has signed up for Melbourne Renegades in the upcoming season of the Big Bash League, starting December 5. As a result, he has become the first Indian male player to sign up for a BBL franchise. Until now, only Indian women cricketers were allowed to participate in the competition.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) currently bars its male players from taking part in overseas Twenty20 (T20) leagues and tournaments, keeping them exclusive to the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, with some Indians getting restricted to opportunities in the country, they are announcing retirement from Indian cricket to explore options overseas.

Although Unmukt never played for India, he has featured for various franchises in the IPL. He played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI). He played for Delhi and Uttarakhand in the domestic circuit, besides representing North Zone in the Deodhar Trophy. Following his retirement from Indian cricket, he has shifted his base to the United States of America (USA) while playing in the Minor League Cricket (MiCL) for Silicon Valley Strikers.

“I’m very excited. It’s great to be part of the Melbourne Renegades family. I’ve always followed the Big Bash, and it’s a great opportunity for me to come and play some good cricket. I’m really looking forward to coming to Melbourne and to get going. I’ve always enjoyed playing in Australia. I haven’t been to Melbourne before. I know for a fact there are lots of Indians in Melbourne, so it’s going to be nice, and I hope the crowds turn up for games as well,” he told the franchise’s website.