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The absence of Indian players is a major blow for the CPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rejected a request from the organisers of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to send some of their marquee players to participate in the inaugural edition of the tournament next month.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Guardian newspaper reported that the CPL organisers’ request was denied after they personally travelled to India to meet BCCI officials.

The organisers were looking to get some support from the world’s wealthiest cricket board, but came up empty as they were turned away.

Reports suggest that the BCCI denied their players permission to play in the CPL since they want to protect their investments in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the reputation of the tournament as well.

The reports further stated that the BCCI are also trying to safeguard their sponsors and investors.

The absence of Indian players in the CPL will be a major blow to the tournament as players like Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and batsman Virat Kohli are known to draw the crowds in by their thousands.

However, players from major cricketing nations like Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be representing the six franchise nations during the tournament.

The CPL dates have also been slightly revised as the tournament will now begin on July 30 and conclude on August 24.