Agni Dev Chopra Shines Spotlight on MLC as He Represents MI New York Amid BCCI Rule Twist
The third edition of Major League Cricket (MLC) officially kicked off in the United States on Friday, June 13, featuring six competing franchises in a tournament rapidly gaining global attention. Among the many headlines, one name stood out — Agni Dev Chopra, son of celebrated Indian filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra — who made his debut for MI New York in the opening fixture.
Agni opened the batting for his side and managed 5 runs off 7 balls in a losing cause, but it wasn’t the performance alone that caught the eye — it was the very fact that he was eligible to play, despite his prominent involvement in India’s domestic circuit just a few months earlier.
Why Is Agni Dev Chopra’s Appearance in MLC So Unique?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) traditionally enforces a strict policy that bars Indian cricketers from participating in overseas T20 leagues unless they retire from all forms of Indian cricket. However, Agni’s case is different and legally permissible.
The reason? Agni holds a United States passport and is not an Indian citizen, making him eligible to play in foreign leagues. Born in Detroit, USA, Agni’s international status allowed him to participate in MLC without breaching BCCI’s regulations.
In a candid interview with the Times of India, Agni said:
“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.”
A Record-Breaking Domestic Run in India
Before his MLC stint, Agni Dev Chopra left a big mark on the Indian domestic scene. Playing for Mizoram, the 26-year-old finished as the leading run-scorer in the 2024 Ranji Trophy Plate League, scoring a staggering 939 runs in six matches at an average of 78.25 and a strike rate of 103.30. His tally included five centuries and three fifties, showcasing his consistency and flair.
His performances were recognized with the prestigious Madhavrao Scindia Award, given to top performers in Indian domestic cricket.
BCCI Rule Change After 2024
Despite his heroics, Agni Dev Chopra will likely be the last non-Indian passport holder to participate in Indian domestic cricket. After the conclusion of the 2024 season, the BCCI revised its eligibility criteria, stating that only players holding an Indian passport will be permitted to feature in domestic tournaments going forward.
Previously, exceptions were made that allowed foreign passport holders or players of Indian origin to play, especially for smaller domestic teams like Mizoram. But with the tightening of rules, future talents like Agni will now have to make a definitive national choice — either acquire Indian citizenship or ply their trade abroad.
What’s Next for Agni?
Now based in the USA and representing MI New York in MLC, Agni Dev Chopra seems set to explore the cricketing landscape in North America, possibly even as a future candidate for the USA national team.
His decision underscores a growing trend among dual-nationality players who find themselves navigating between passion and opportunity. While he may have exited Indian domestic cricket due to changing eligibility norms, Agni’s journey in professional cricket appears far from over — it’s just entering a new chapter.
With MLC gaining popularity and cricket expanding its footprint in the USA, players like Agni could play a pivotal role in shaping the sport’s future in non-traditional markets.
