With retirement, Suresh Raina 'eligible' to play overseas T20 leagues

Former India batter Suresh Raina on Tuesday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, including the IPL, with reports saying the move would make him 'eligible' for competing in overseas T20 leagues.

"It has been an absolute honour to represent my country & state UP. I would like to announce my retirement from all formats of Cricket, Raina tweeted, thanking the BCCI, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association and the Chennai Super Kings.


35-year-old Raina had followed his skipper MS Dhoni into international retirement in August 2020. He played in IPL 2021 but was released by CSK ahead of the 2022 fans, much to the disappointment of fans who fondly call him 'Chinna Thala'. Raina played his last competitive game in October 2021 when he turned up for CSK against Rajasthan Royals in Abu Dhabi.

A report by PTI suggested the retirement comes ahead of a move to to explore T20 leagues around the world, and that he could be seen in Cricket South Africa's new T20 league.

Any active India or domestic player cannot take part in overseas leagues, and would need to retire from all forms of cricket in India to pursue overseas options.

Earlier, a report in the Dainik Jagran suggested Raina had spoken to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) about this move.

”I wish to play cricket for around 2-3 years more. A lot of good players are there in the Uttar Pradesh (UP) domestic team now and doing really well. I have obtained NOC from UPCA as well," the newspaper quoted Raina as saying.

As an India player, Raina played 18 Tests, 226 ODIs and 78 T20s. He was part of the World Cup winning squad in 2011.