The T20 World Cup 2021 is around the corner and all the Indian Premier League franchises are looking forward to managing the workload of the players in the second leg of the tournament. However, there is no role of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in this and it will be the individual call of the franchises as well.
Speaking to ANI, a BCCI official has opened up on this. “We haven’t passed any information to any team with regards to workload management. If a player is rested, it has to be the call of the franchise and the player. Also, the franchises know how to take care of their players,” the official said.
“It is very hot and the humidity can sometimes get to even the fittest player in the team. So, we are looking to rotate some of the players with an eye on workload management. Players are always the priority and everyone is on the same page when it comes to this. But no, no diktat from the BCCI on this and honestly they also know it isn’t needed as franchises have always worked closely with the board in ensuring players are in top shape while playing the league,” one of the officials said.
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On the other hand, Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond on Thursday has said that the franchise is also looking at managing the workload of all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Hardik didn’t feature against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing IPL as well.
“Hardik is training well. He trained today (Thursday) and he is getting closer to playing. We are balancing the needs of our team along with the needs of Team India as well. This franchise looks after its players. We are hopeful that Hardik will be back for the next match, he trained well on Thursday,” said Bond during the post-match virtual press conference after the game against KKR.
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“It is not a hard directive, you have a duty towards the players. You have to look after them, like anything you have to balance everything and you have to balance what the player wants. One thing our franchise does is look after our players. There is no point in rushing him back, you do not want him to get injured and miss rest of the tournament when we have a chance to win it,” he concluded.
