Indian players may have to balance several responsibilities during the next Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season. It's unlikely that the full two-month time will be exclusively white ball, as players may be required to participate in red ball events.
This is understandable given the five-match away Test series in England in June and July, following the IPL. The IPL will run from March 22 to May 25, with a five-match Test series beginning on June 20 in Headingley.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is developing a strategy to keep players engaged with Test cricket, the red-ball format, throughout the IPL 2025 season. Players will most likely be requested to participate in infrequent red-ball practice sessions or engage in unorthodox activities customized to specific players.
Clearly, the BCCI wants to end the run of defeats in five-day matches. India recently lost a series at home to New Zealand and then was humbled in BGT 2024-25 by Australia.
The specifics of how the plan will be implemented are being kept under wraps, although a few preliminary conversations about the overlapping system have already occurred. Discussions involving senior members of Indian team management, in coordination with BCCI, were held in Dubai, where the players are now competing in the Champions Trophy.
After Sunday's India-Pakistan match in Dubai, the BCCI decision-makers had a quick discussion about the path for these mixed activities. Following the Champions Trophy's conclusion on March 9, more meetings are anticipated. Less than two weeks later, the IPL 2025 begins.
The BCCI often lets players concentrate on their franchises during the IPL without interfering too much with their duties. Nonetheless, the BCCI think tank has taken note of the pattern of India's defeats in all but one away series against England following the IPL.
For example, the 2011 series ended in a 4-0 defeat, the 2014 series saw the home team winning 3-1, and in 2018, India suffered a 4-1 setback.
It is evident that preparations have already started, even though the BCCI has not yet disclosed the precise details of how it intends to keep players fit and ready for Test cricket.
(Cricbuzz report)
