Sunil Gavaskar pushes for month-long rest window in cricket calendar, links player rotation to ‘cheapening India cap’ | Cricket News:
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI:) to prioritize player welfare and ensure that centrally contracted cricketers get at least one month’s uninterrupted rest every year.His comments come after India completed the 3-0 ODI series in Afghanistan, shortly after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL:) 2026 period.Gavaskar acknowledged the BCCI’s role in supporting developing cricket nations like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka through bilateral series. However, he said the health and fitness of the Indian players should remain a priority despite a busy cricket calendar.Writing in his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar said: “Yes, the BCCI is like an elder brother to countries like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka, and always tries to help them grow in the field and improve their finances by touring these countries. cap. The cap should not be given because a player replaces an inexhaustible player who is rested.The former opener also questioned the growing practice of resting senior players due to work management. According to Gavaskar, India should field the strongest available side whenever possible.He pointed to India’s recent Test against Afghanistan, where: Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries.“In the Test against Afghanistan who were faithful testers but no more, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries, and Manav Suthar made an impressive debut. Jasprit Bumrah rested but wouldn’t he like to add a fifer or a tenfer to his career record against this team. If India plays, then the best team should play, unless there are injuries. But this rest due to the workload should be avoided as much as possible. Look at the calendar and you will see that India plays every month somewhere or the other.Gavaskar made it clear that he supports more opportunities for young players through India A and Under-19 cricket, but believes that senior players should get a proper break from the game.“Yes, by all means there will be ‘A’ team and U-19 matches so that young players can get the opportunity and experience, but please save our elite players and make sure that they as a team and not only as individuals get at least one month of rest in the year.He added that the current schedule will not change but the proposed future planning should include a mandatory break for the players and even the fans.“This year’s schedule is done and nothing can be changed but since the thinking is to start and finish IPL early next year, then please add a month’s rest not only to the players but also to the fans of Indian cricket.”India’s next assignment is the two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast before the team travels to England for five T20Is and three ODIs starting July 1.
Post Comment