Vijay Shankar Exits Domestic Cricket and IPL; Eyes Global T20 Leagues at 35

Former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar on Friday announced his retirement from domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), bringing an end to a significant chapter of his Indian cricket career. The 35-year-old, however, clarified that he is not stepping away from the sport entirely and intends to continue playing cricket in overseas franchise leagues and other professional opportunities around the world.

In a statement confirming his decision, Shankar said he plans to “pursue new opportunities and play more cricket” outside the Indian domestic structure. His retirement from domestic competitions now makes him eligible to participate full-time in international T20 franchise tournaments, a route increasingly chosen by several Indian players after concluding their careers in BCCI-affiliated events. Sources indicate that Shankar is already in discussions with multiple teams across global T20 leagues.

The all-rounder is reportedly expected to feature in the upcoming edition of the Lanka Premier League and is also exploring opportunities in other prominent T20 tournaments. There is a strong possibility of him appearing in Major League Cricket in the United States as well. Franchise discussions are believed to be underway, with teams valuing his experience as a middle-order batter capable of contributing with medium-pace bowling.

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Shankar represented the Indian national cricket team in 12 One Day Internationals and nine T20 Internationals during his international career. He scored 223 runs in ODIs and added 101 runs in the T20I format. Although his international stint remained relatively brief, Shankar was often regarded as a dependable utility cricketer who could balance both batting and bowling responsibilities in limited-overs cricket.

At the domestic level, Shankar built a strong reputation while representing the Tamil Nadu cricket team across formats. He was also a regular presence in the IPL, featuring for franchises including Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Titans over the years. Known for his calm approach and versatility, he remained a valued squad player in multiple title campaigns and playoff runs.

Shankar’s retirement from Indian domestic cricket reflects a growing trend among experienced Indian cricketers looking to extend their careers through overseas leagues after stepping away from BCCI competitions. While he may no longer feature in the Ranji Trophy or IPL, the all-rounder is expected to remain active in the global T20 circuit, where experienced Indian players continue to attract significant interest from franchise teams across emerging cricket markets.

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