The Indian cricket team’s preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup has taken an unconventional turn, with only one warm-up game scheduled ahead of the tournament. This departure from the norm of two warm-up matches has raised questions about the reasoning behind the decision.
Reportedly, the BCCI has mandated that the lone warm-up match be held in New York, where the team will be based. Despite suggestions from the ICC and Cricket West Indies for a game in Florida, Indian players, fatigued from extensive travel and the demanding Indian Premier League, have expressed reservations about additional journeys.
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Warm-up matches hold significant commercial value for India, often televised to maximize revenue opportunities. In the past, warm-up games involving India have been broadcast exclusively to cater to the massive Indian audience, highlighting their importance.
While the ICC is expected to announce the schedule soon, it’s notable that most teams, except Pakistan and England, are slated to play two warm-up matches each.
India to play only one warm-up game in New York ahead of @T20WorldCup: Report
READ: https://t.co/zHDhsnZzaF pic.twitter.com/H5yLh7gZCu
— TOI Sports (@toisports) May 15, 2024
With the World Cup set to begin on June 1, warm-up games are likely to be scheduled for May 25-26. The Indian team’s departure to New York, initially planned for May 21 after the IPL league stage, has been rescheduled to May 25 and 26 to accommodate players involved in the IPL final on May 26.
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India’s campaign in New York kicks off with league matches against Ireland, Pakistan, and the United States on June 5, 9, and 12, respectively. The final league game against Canada will be played in Florida on June 15 before the team heads to the West Indies for the Super Eight phase.
India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2024:
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya (VC), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.
