Yuvraj Singh wants to play in Australia's Big Bash

Australian media say BBL franchises more interested in M S Dhoni

Melbourne: Now that all hopes of a return to the Indian team have been lost, flamboyant Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh is looking for opportunities in Australia's Big Bash League.

The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper has reported that Cricket Australia is trying to help him find a team.

Citing industry sources, the newspaper added that interest in Yuvraj from BBL clubs has been "modest to date". However, clubs would be keen to sign up former India captain M S Dhoni should he be available.

However, unlike Yuvraj, who too retired from all international cricket, Dhoni is captain of Chennai Super Kings. The Board of Control for Cricket in India bars its active players from playing in foreign 20-20 leagues.

Sydney Morning Herald quoted Shane Watson as saying inclusion of Indian players would give a boost to the Big Bash. No Indian player has ever featured in the Big Bash League.

"It would be incredible for them to be able to play in these tournaments. That is the ideal situation. There are so many world-class T20 players in India that aren't playing for India that could be potentially available to play in the Big Bash and other tournaments around the world," Watson said.

The 38-year-old Yuvraj retired from international and domestic cricket last year, clearing the decks to ply his trade wherever he wishes.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Yuvraj's manager Jason Warne of W Sports & Media has confirmed that Cricket Australia is trying to find a BBL franchise.

Yuvraj, the 2011 World Cup player of the tournament, last played for India in 2017. The left-handed batsman scored 8701 runs in 304 ODIs, besides taking 111 wickets for India. He also played 40 Tests and 58 T20Is for the country.