Gautam Gambhir calls for top players to join underdog nations in international matches

T20 World Cup 2007 winner Gautam Gambhir has called for top Test players around the globe to play for minnows to help them grow. In June this year, T20 World Cup 2024 will be played in the West Indies and USA. A lot of non-Test playing nations including some debutant teams will play in the tournament. For the first time in a Cricket World Cup (either ODI or T20), 20 teams will play.

Meanwhile, the two-time World Cup winner has said that he wants to see non-Test playing teams rise in international cricket. He added that at least three Test players must play for minnows.

"I definitely want to see a step up but I believe all minnows should be allowed to play three professionals from Test-playing nations if you genuinely want to see a good contest."

"Whichever players are not in your World Cup squad, if the minnows want, they should be able to take a maximum of three and a minimum of one player, whoever they need, in the playing XI."

"We see that in franchise cricket, like four overseas players play in the IPL. In the same way, imagine if Canada and the USA can pick such players, you will see better competition, and apart from that, individuals can win this tournament. So you would never be complacent and play better cricket," Gambhir said during a discussion with Star Sports.

Gautam Gambhir acknowledges the Apex Council rules might not allow for such activities

The former India opening batter acknowledged that the rules of the Apex Council will not allow for such thing to happen.

"However, this will be up to the Apex Council rules and regulations. I hope when the Netherlands or Ireland come into this competition, they come a better side because the Netherlands impressed a lot in the World Cup. Afghanistan have impressed a lot. So I would want to see such teams doing even better in T20 cricket."