BCCI’s chief selector MSK Prasad on Friday (February 15) said that they have already shortlisted 18 players for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, slated to be held in England and Wales from May 30 to July 14.

Prasad also went on to say that the board officials are in constant talks with the IPL franchises to manage the workload of the cricketers ahead of the showpiece event.

“We have shortlisted 18 players and we will rotate them during the World Cup. As far as workload management is concerned, it is yet to be worked out. There are discussions happening on that front and we will let you know,” Prasad told reporters after India’s squads for T20Is and ODIs against Australia were picked.

When BCCI’s acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary was asked the same question, he revealed that the franchises have different views on this matter.

“If your question suggests that the franchises will be wary of resting players, it is an issue we will deal with considering it’s a World Cup year. There have been views from franchises and I am not going into specifics,” Choudhary said.

“And also considering the fact that all the franchises are Indian franchises, the interest of the country, of doing well at the highest international level, is paramount,” he added.

The 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to kick-start on March 23. However, the complete fixture of the tournament is yet to be announced with the BCCI waiting for the announcement of general election dates.