Mumbai: National senior selection committee chairman MSK Prasad has said that the BCCI is in talks with various IPL franchises so that the workloads of 18 players are managed probably. This is the same group of players who have been marked as probables for the World Cup squad.
There have been discussions that India’s World Cup hopefuls’ workload management should be monitored during the IPL, starting March 23, so that they remain fresh during the May 30-July 14 extravaganza in England.
“We have shortlisted 18 players and we will rotate them before selecting the final World Cup squad. 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 here Friday
However, it is a subject of debate as to whether the franchises will agree to rest top India players on their roster after paying millions to have them.
When BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary was asked this question, he admitted that the franchises have diverse views on the 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,” informed Choudhary.
He also urged the franchises to keep the national interest in mind. “And also considering the fact that all of them are Indian franchises, the interest of the country, of doing well at the highest international level, is paramount,” Choudhary asserted.
PTI