With the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises looking to rotate players during the ongoing IPL 2021 keeping an eye on the weather conditions in the UAE and the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn’t reportedly passed any directive regarding the same.
Mumbai Indians (MI) is among the three-four teams to manage players’ workload in the second leg of the IPL 14, considering the humid conditions in the UAE and the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021.
However, it was the franchises’ own decision and an individual call, as the BCCI has not reportedly passed any directive to franchises on workload management for the ongoing IPL 2021.
A BCCI official told ANI, “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.”
Meanwhile, three IPL franchise officials have confirmed that they are looking to rotate players with an eye on workload management, but there is no diktat from the BCCI on this.
One of the officials revealed, “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.”
The official further added, “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.”
Noteworthy, MI’s bowling coach Shane Bond on Thursday revealed that the franchise is also looking at the needs of Team India when managing the workload of its players when he was asked about Hardik Pandya’s absence in their first two games of the UAE-leg in the ongoing IPL 14 so far. However, Bond said there is no directive on this, and is a decision taken by the defending champions.
(With ANI Inputs)
