With 2019 World Cup three and a half months away, the pertinent question has been regarding the Team India players on making a fresh appearance in the quadrennial event, starting May 30 in England and Wales. But, the chief of the national selection committee for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), MSK Prasad says there’s no concern over exhaustion of the cricketers during the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
IPL Challenges to help in the 2019 World Cup: Prasad
In spite of it, Prasad believes the IPL fixtures will help the team before the kick off the ODI showpiece in the United Kingdom (UK).
“They will get game-time which is so important. The variety of challenges that the IPL offers will keep the players in best shape and remain mentally strong,” Prasad told mid-day.
The twelfth edition of one of the successful domestic professional leagues will kick off on March 23.
In the meantime, it would be crucial on India’s part to maintain the workload ahead of the crucial mega competition. Many cricketing veterans have opined that India is one of the teams to beat in the ICC’s coveted event.
The 44-year-old Prasad stressed managing the players during the cramped schedule is the top priority. He added the IPL would benefit the players before showcasing in the ICC 2019 World Cup.
“Players’ workload management is obviously crucial and of paramount importance to us. However, playing in the IPL before the World Cup will help our players remain in the groove,” Prasad added.
With IPL schedule yet to be announced, it would be crucial to witness how early the competition will culminate which eventually clashes with the General Assembly Elections 2019.
Also, the challenge is to observe the players during the forthcoming edition of the IPL. Earlier, head coach Ravi Shastri revealed they would monitor the players throughout the home leg.
In the nation’s interest:
Besides, the interim secretary for the BCCI, Amitabh Choudhary reiterated that they have talked to the distinct franchises while considering the country’s interest in the first place. He added they have mutually agreed upon it.
“We have been in conversation with the franchises on all issues concerning the game of cricket as well as the interests of this country and there seems to be (conversable) views, if I may put it, in a larger kind of sense, without putting out the specifics,” Choudhary said.
As of now, Team India is gearing up for the impending limited-overs series against Australia; the competition will kick off on February 24 in Vizag. The home series consists of five One-day Internationals and two Twenty20 Internationals.