Just fast forward nine years, and Indian Premier League has grown up to stand as a league which can challenge any other sporting leagues around the world. So much has been the cash-rich league’s success that despite being only 9 years old, this extravaganza has forced BCCI to organize another one – The Mini IPL. But is it necessary? IPL has already been a golden goose, then why to lure the cricketers to play another one, especially in between an immensely tight schedule in the 2017-17 calendar!
Considering India’s grinding Test cricket schedule ahead of them, joining the Mini IPL party will only exhaust their precious energy levels; not only that, it will kill the players’ particularly the Test cricketers’ desire to play the game.
India will have to play 17 Tests, starting from next month, stretching to IPL 2017 — 4 against West Indies, 3 against New Zealand, 5 against England, 4 against Australia and 1 against Bangladesh. To summarize, 85 tiring energy-squeezing days. Apart from the Tests, India will engage in bilateral ODIs and T20Is as well.
Just take the case of Virat Kohli, India’s Test captain has been the most successful skipper for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) also. His outstanding records, unmatchable contribution and impactful presence in IPL are becoming a legend now. You can remember he injured his left hand during the recently-concluded IPL but continued playing with stitches, eventually leading his team to the final almost single-handedly (de Villiers also shared his part in the fairy-tale campaign).
On the other hand, Ajinkya Rahane played one of the most vital roles for Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) in the new franchise’s first IPL. He ended the tournament as the highest scorer for RPS, and enjoys the status of India’s most consistent player overseas in recent past. He has scored centuries in England, Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
Other cricketers who continue to enjoy success in IPL along with Test cricket are Rohit Sharma, Murali Vijay, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan, and KL Rahul, among others.
However, BCCI may find it difficult to stage the tournament this year, it might be postponed until next year. The main problem is finding a three-week window to organize what is believed to be a 15-match miniature version of the IPL, as eight teams will be divided into two groups playing a league stage followed by the semifinals and the final.
The BCCI on Tuesday announced the schedule for the home series against New Zealand. The first Test will begin in Kanpur on September 22, exactly a month after India’s tour of the West Indies ends.
That means 30-day window looks to be too narrow to host both the Duleep Trophy and the Mini IPL.
BCCI has already said that the Duleep Trophy, to be played under floodlights with the pink ball, will see all of the country’s top players. If the Mini IPL is staged before September 20, it means Duleep Trophy will overlap with the upcoming West Indies series.
Virat Kohli most likely will not mind playing the inaugural Mini IPL. He has always accepted new challenges, he, in fact, thrives on challenges. It will not be a surprise if Kohli wins maiden Mini IPL Trophy for RCB. The same accounts for other Indian Test cricketers also.
Shifting gear from T20 to Test cricket and vice versa, cricketers now find it to some extent difficult to adjust with different formats in such a short notice. Team India under a new coach – more than ever — will need the players in full fitness and in the peak of their form, especially ahead of such a busy schedule. Here comes the problem – Mini IPL will only take a toll on their body. After all, high intensity always wants the best from you.
That’s why the question rises more than ever, should Indian Test cricketers play Mini IPL?