Image Source: PTI
[Saba Sports News] As the current season of first-class cricket nears completion, concerns are emerging among players about the condensed schedule set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Players, particularly fast bowlers, are feeling the strain of the tight itinerary, which packed 137 first-class matches into 70 days, allowing merely three-day breaks between games. Tamil Nadu’s captain, R Sai Kishore, voiced concerns during the semifinals in Mumbai, noting the particularly strenuous impact on fast bowlers due to the limited recovery time and continuous travel.
Shardul Thakur of Mumbai, reflecting on his experiences, advocated for extended intervals between matches, recalling more generous breaks in past seasons. He highlighted the risk of increased injuries if the relentless schedule persists, emphasizing the need for the BCCI to reassess the calendar to prevent player burnout and injuries.
The BCCI faces a logistical dilemma, having to accommodate 1846 matches across various categories within a limited time frame, which led to the season starting as early as June. The Ranji Trophy alone, with its 38 teams divided into Elite and Plate divisions, showcases the challenge of maintaining a full roster of tournaments while also considering player welfare. The players’ plea for longer breaks points to a broader issue of balancing a comprehensive cricket calendar with the health and performance sustainability of the players involved.