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How Is Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Son Playing In MLC Despite BCCI's Ban On Overseas Leagues?

Abhinav Tyagi

Agni Dev Chopra - (Source : @Wisden and TOI/X.com)Agni Dev Chopra - (Source : @Wisden and TOI/X.com)

On Friday, June 13, the third edition of Major League Cricket (MLC) kicked off in the USA, with six teams competing against each other. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s son, Agni Dev Chopra, grabbed headlines after featuring for MI New York. Notably, Agni, who made a mark during the 2024 domestic season, opened the innings for MI New York and scored 5 (7) in a losing cause.

Seeing Agni play in the Major League Cricket surprised fans, as Indian players are generally restricted from participating in overseas leagues due to a BCCI ban—players must retire from all formats to be eligible. However, Agni’s case is unique.

How Did Agni Chopra Play In MLC?

It is worth noting that Agni holds a US passport and is not an Indian citizen. Notably, Chopra was born in Detroit and also spoke about giving up his US citizenship. He also confirmed this news while speaking to Times of India. 

“I would have still applied for an Indian passport and stayed if I had been picked in the Indian Premier League but [I am] looking forward to my time in America now,” he told The Times of India.

How Has Agni Dev Chopra Performed In BCCI's Domestic Circuit?

The 26-year-old features for Mizoram and scripted several records in his maiden season. Agni finished as the leading run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy Plate League 2024. In six games, he scored 939 runs at an average of 78.25 and a strike rate of 103.30 with five hundred and three fifties to show for his efforts.

Moreover, Agni also won the prestigious Madhavrao Scindia Award for an excellent season in the domestic circuit. 

Why Did BCCI Allow Agni Dev To Play In Domestic Tournaments?

It is worth noting that up-till 2024, the BCCI allowed players of overseas teams and non-Indian citizenship to play domestic circuit. However, the apex cricket board changed the rule following the conclusion of 2024 domestic season. 

However, the board has now amended the rules and mandated that a cricketer need an Indian passport to be to play domestic cricket in India.