Keeping in mind the extended lockdown amid COVID-19 pandemic where cricketers could hardly train and do much physical activity, Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises want the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow warm-up matches to be held between teams ahead of the league's 13th edition from September 19.
While teams, barring Chennai Super Kings (CSK), have accelerated preparation in training after going through the necessary quarantine period, few practise matches will only provide further help in quickly regaining the rhythm and feel for the on-field action.
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According to a report by Times of India, "Broadcasters Star India, it is understood, is also inclined towards the idea of warm-up games as a build-up to the league, a tournament that will signal the return of Indian cricket after an unprecedented six months."
"Having some competitive warm-up games will be good for the tournament," a leading franchise executive was quoted saying in the report.
Another franchise CEO said they are in "100% support to the idea of warm-ups".
Two other franchises told TOI, "warm-ups are the only way to get players back into the tournament mode right from Day One", with no cricket played by most of the players in this period of the health crisis.
While there is no official comment from Star, the report quoted those close to the matter that "they are in favour of the idea and are also keen on their broadcast as it will help build the anticipation for IPL".
A detailed itinerary for the tournament is yet to be announced. However, it is learnt that the BCCI is planning to put out a dynamic schedule across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, keeping in the mind the times we are living in.
Inadvertently, eight teams might just have to turn up in the first four days of the event.
"That's one of the concerns, because these boys haven't really had a go since the last five months and it's less than a week that they've started outdoor training. Match-practice won't be adequate for sure by the time the tournament begins," TOI quoted sources tracking the development.
