Services players seek exposure to State-based T20 leagues

Every season, Services, a trifecta of the Indian Army, Navy and Airforce, plays its part as one of 38 teams in strengthening and diversifying India’s domestic cricket ecosystem. It does so even as its cricketers seldom get the limelight.

Given the game’s popularity, Services skipper Rajat Paliwal, who has been around the domestic scene since 2011-12, hopes that his players can also reap the benefits of a thriving environment. One way would be participation in State-based T20 leagues around the country.

“We want greater exposure as players. We want that initiative to be taken. In the whole country, cricket has developed a lot. Other cricketers play through the year and prepare comprehensively,” Paliwal said ahead of the Ranji Trophy game against Delhi.

“We are far away from that. As players for Services, we also want that. It will help improve the quality of preparation. We hope things change in the future.”

The 34-year-old, who belongs to the Airforce, offered a suggestion. “For example, the Airforce players are Delhi-based. So if the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) opens its T20 league for us to participate, there are 5-7 players who can add value and also get exposure,” he proposed.

With Services having no age-group teams, selection for the senior set-up is dependent on a tournament among the three departments just before the domestic campaign.

“We have an inter-Services tournament across all three formats a month or two prior to the start. Based on the best performances, the teams are picked,” said new coach A.P. Singh, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army.