The Board of Control for Cricket in India has instructed the players to follow the fitness plan of the NCA even during the IPL. His goal behind this is to keep maximum players fit for international matches.
Regarding the upcoming World Cup, the BCCI has instructed the players to follow the fitness plan even during the IPL so that unnecessary breakdowns and injuries can be avoided. This plan for the players has been prepared by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). These instructions will be applicable to all the players of the franchise.
BCCI has told all the teams of IPL that this time NCA will have a direct role in fitness management. NCA head VVS Laxman will monitor the fitness of players who will play in the upcoming T20 World Cup and the ODI World Cup to be held in 2023.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has said that the aim is to ensure that maximum number of players remain fit and available for selection in international matches.
Why is BCCI strict about fitness?
Two years ago when Rohit Sharma took a break from T20 and ODI due to hamstring injury and a day later he entered the final of IPL, many questions were raised. Even Hardik Pandya’s fitness remained in doubt when he returned after his surgery.
Due to this, he also reduced the bowling in the T20 World Cup. BCCI wants to work on this fitness plan to avoid such situation in future.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Jay Shah said, “We want our players to be fully fit before a bilateral series or any international match. We have fitness camps at NCA and more such camps will be organized in future also.”
Rahul Dravid, head coach of Teen India said, “You play 10 months for India, only 2 months in IPL. So when it comes to fitness, trust the NCA and support staff. Some players have expressed their concern. How will the physio and trainers of the IPL team react to this. Players should not worry about this, BCCI will handle these issues.