Lately, a number of retired Indian cricketers have continued their careers in foreign T20 leagues, which do not include international cricket or IPL. The leagues can be seen as a platform for veterans, where they can compete, impart knowledge, and entertain audiences worldwide.

Indian players are steadily making their presence felt on foreign soil, from Ashwin's historic entry to the Australian Big Bash League to Shikhar Dhawan's appearance in Nepal and Unmukt Chand's winning stint in the USA.

Ravichandran Ashwin's Historic BBL Entry (2025-26)

Ravichandran Ashwin made history as the first male Indian cricketer with an international cap to play in the Big Bash League. He was signed by Sydney Thunder for the 2025-26 season, subsequently committing to the entire tournament.

After he announced his retirement from international cricket and the IPL, Ashwin saw the emergence of new leagues. The auction he had with the highest base price in the ILT20 did not stop him from being unsold. His signing in the BBL was a big boost to Sydney Thunder's spin attack, and the squad gained an invaluable leader. Ashwin's movement was a landmark for Indian cricketers in foreign leagues.

Shikhar Dhawan in Nepal Premier League (2024)

Ex-Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan played in the Nepal Premier League 2024, where he represented the Karnali Yaks. This came after he retired from all forms of professional cricket.

In four matches, Dhawan scored 136 runs at an impressive average of 45.33, with a top score of 72 not out. Nepal’s domestic league won’t just be supported by his presence; it will also get a boost in its profile, and young local players will be thus encouraged.

Unmukt Chand’s Journey in BBL and MLC

Unmukt Chand, who recently was the captain of India’s U19 World Cup-winning team, has managed to make a new successful career abroad. He was the player of both leagues, the Big Bash and Major League Cricket (MLC).

Chand’s first appearance in the BBL was in 2022, and he was a participant with the Melbourne Renegades, becoming the first male player of Indian descent to play in the league. Despite the shortness of his stay in BBL, he was great in scoring runs and winning the MLC with the Los Angeles Knight Riders, where he was the top-order batsman with 460 runs in 15 matches and could be counted on as a reliable hitter.

Dinesh Karthik in SA20 (2025)

The experienced WK-batter Dinesh Karthik caught many by surprise when he joined SA20 2025; even though he had retired from IPL and RCB mentored, he had not planned to play anymore. He was the player of the Paarl Royals and took part in 11 games, scoring 130 runs.

Karthik's figures were not impressive, but his vast experience and composed demeanor helped in making the team balanced, especially during hard times.

Yuvraj Singh’s Global T20 Appearances

Indian cricket giant Yuvraj Singh did not stop playing in foreign lands after his retirement in 2019. For the Toronto Nationals, he played the Global T20 Canada, making 153 runs over six matches.

His participation was also in T10 leagues of both the USA and UAE, thus bringing star power and experience to the cricket markets that are slowly getting stronger.

Other Indian Veterans Abroad

Ambati Rayudu – CPL 2023

Rayudu represented St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the CPL, becoming only the second Indian after Pravin Tambe to play in the league.

Pravin Tambe – CPL 2020

At age 48, Tambe impressed with his disciplined leg-spin for Trinbago Knight Riders, proving age is no barrier to skill.

Robin Uthappa – ILT20 2022

Uthappa played for Dubai Capitals, becoming the first Indian to win the ILT20 green belt with a match-winning knock.