Unveiled: The Participation of a Fresh Indian Cricketer in Major League Cricket, Contrary to BCCI's Prohibition on Foreign T20 Tournaments
Agni Dev Chopra, the Unconventional Cricketer
In the bustling world of Indian cricket, Agni Dev Chopra stands out as an extraordinary figure. This Detroit-born cricketer has turned heads for his extraordinary prowess, particularly in the winter of 2023/24, when he resoundingly broke into the Indian domestic circuit.
Chopra made a splashing debut by becoming the first cricketer to score a hundred in each of his first four first-class matches. His impressive career tally includes nine tons in 11 games, with an astonishing average of 954.94. From the Ranji Trophy to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophies, Chopra has proved his mettle in various domestic tournaments, even playing for Mizoram as recently as early 2025.
However, his story deviates from the norm—Chopra did not let the BCCI's strict policies hold him back. In striking contrast to active Indian cricketers, who are typically barred from participating in T20 leagues outside India, Chopra has been playing in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA since the 2025 edition.
The Enigma of Agni:
One may wonder, how is he allowed to play in the MLC while his peers are bound by the BCCI's regulations? The answer lies in Chopra's unique situation; unlike many cricketers, he does not hold an Indian passport.
In 2024, the BCCI mandated that a cricketer needed an Indian passport to be eligible to play domestic cricket within the country. This rule excluded Chopra, who is no longer eligible to play in Indian domestic cricket. As a result, he faced no obstacles in joining the MLC.
Several Indian cricketers, such as Yuvraj Singh and Unmukt Chand, have had to retire from Indian cricket to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play for foreign teams. However, Chopra's circumstances are unusual, as his dream of playing for India remains intact. If a prospective IPL deal materializes, he will be categorized as an overseas player.
Cricket aficionados, keep your eyes peeled for Agni Dev Chopra. His captivating journey is a fascinating breach of the norm in a sport often dominated by strict rules and regulations. As he continues to navigate the world of cricket, it will be intriguing to see if he opts for an Indian passport to pursue his dream of representing India at the international level.
Agni Dev Chopra, despite his success in Indian domestic cricket, is currently competing in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA, as he does not hold an Indian passport due to BCCI's regulations.
Intriguingly, Chopra's cricket career includes domestic achievements in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophies, yet he remains an enigma in the sports world, sparking interest among cricket aficionados about his future decisions regarding his eligibility to represent India at the international level.
