Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni could feature in England’s 100-ball league: Reports

England’s innovative 100-ball league, which is set to be launched in 2020, could feature India cricket stars like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

Though the BCCI has followed a strict policy of not allowing Indian cricketers to play in domestic leagues except the IPL, there are reports of the board making an exception for the inaugural ‘Hundred’ tournament in England next year.

“The BCCI, which bans its players from overseas T20 tournaments to protect their market-leading Indian Premier League, are understood to be considering making an exception for the Hundred because it is played over 100 balls compared to 120,” read a report published in English website dailymail.co.uk.

The report further goes on to claim that BCCI’s decision to let India cricketers take part in the 100-ball tournament would pave the way for negotiations around an IPL franchise in London.

“Having Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and other top Indians playing would be an immense boost for the Hundred in its inaugural year, especially when England’s Test players will not be involved. It would also be a helpful bargaining chip for future negotiations around an IPL franchise in London,” the report said.

The 100-ball format will feature 15 traditional six-ball overs and a single 10-ball over in each innings. With match duration getting reduced by around two and half hours, 100-ball cricket is aimed at attracting families with younger children, who the ECB believes, would be interested in watching curtailed evening games.

The new league, which has been given the working title of ‘The Hundred’, will replace the existing T20 League next year.