New Delhi: Indian players might find themselves balancing multiple responsibilities during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The entire two-month period is unlikely to be solely focused on white-ball cricket, as red-ball commitments may also come into play. This is primarily due to the five-match Test series in England scheduled for June-July, right after the IPL.
To ensure players stay connected with red-ball cricket during the IPL season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is strategizing accordingly. It is expected that select players will either take part in occasional red-ball practice sessions or undergo specialized training. The goal is to curb India’s recent struggles in five-day cricket. The IPL will run from March 22 to May 25, with the Test series kicking off at Headingley on June 20.
Although the specifics of the plan remain confidential, initial discussions have already begun on managing the overlapping schedules. The Indian team management, along with BCCI officials, recently met in Dubai—where the players are currently participating in the Champions Trophy—to deliberate on this issue.
Following the India-Pakistan match in Dubai on Sunday, decision-makers briefly reviewed the framework for these mixed-format preparations. Further meetings are scheduled post- ICC Champions Trophy 2025which concludes on March 9. With the IPL commencing less than two weeks later, BCCI officials are keen to finalize the approach soon.
Traditionally, the BCCI allows players to focus solely on their IPL franchises during the tournament without additional responsibilities. However, India’s consistent Test series losses in England after IPL seasons—barring one exception—have caught the board’s attention. India endured heavy defeats in 2011 (4-0), 2014 (3-1), and 2018 (4-1).
Interestingly, the 2021 England series, disrupted by COVID-19saw India leading 2-1 before the final Test was postponed to 2022, ultimately ending in a 2-2 draw. Meanwhile, India’s more recent Test performances, including a rare 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand and a 3-1 defeat in Australia, have further raised concerns for the BCCI.
While the exact methods remain undisclosed, one thing is certain—the BCCI has already begun planning ways to keep players Test-ready even during the IPL season.
