Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu said he has been enjoying his experience in his maiden stint in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), highlighting the difference in atmosphere between CPL and the Indian Premier League. Rayudu became only the second Indian cricketer after Pravin Tambe to feature in the men’s CPL.
After retiring from IPL and domestic cricket following Chennai Super Kings’s triumphant run in 2023, Rayudu had signed up with the Texas Super Kings, CSK’s sister franchise, for the inaugural Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA. But due to personal reasons, Rayudu decided to withdraw from the MLC, despite being one of the key signings for the Texas Super Kings. His decision came amidst speculations about a proposed cooling-off period policy by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which could potentially restrict retired players from participating in overseas leagues immediately after their retirement.
Rayudu eventually made his CPL debut for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots on August 19 against Trinbago Knight RIders. However, Rayudu did not get an opportunity to bat as the match was affected by rain.
“I have heard some really good things about the league, especially the standard of cricket that’s played here. I am happy to be part of the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots,” Rayudu said.
Shedding light on his decision to play in the CPL, Rayudu said he had heard a lot of good things about the T20 league from Kieron Pollard and his former CSK teammate Dwayne Bravo.
“Pollard and Bravo used to talk a lot about the CPL. This is the first time I’m playing in a dressing room without any Indians, so that’s a bit strange and it feels a bit different but they’re really nice people. They have been very warm.
“Playing in the CPL is a very different experience as compared to playing in India. They have a lot of music and a lot of fun, it’s all a bit new to me but I’m really enjoying it so far.”
