Cricket Australia lays down guidelines for players featuring in IPL 2019

The two major tournaments World Cup 2019 and the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 12 will follow each other with just a week’s gap. That’s where the dilemma arises for the international teams and players as well. The IPL is physically taxing and no cricketer can play the 56-day tournament and still be at their best for the World Cup. Hence Cricket Australia (CA) has decided to set the priorities straight and keep its players out of the IPL for the last part.

The board will thus want the Australian players part of the World Cup squad to walk out of the IPL sooner. CA has issued guidelines asking its cricketers to make sure Sheffield Shield, their domestic first-class tournament is a priority. Also, the World Cup squad will have to report in time for the training camp in early May as well as the warm-up matches before the start of the main tournament.

It has also mentioned that the players picked by IPL squads will get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) once the last round of the Sheffield Shield ends and those a part of the final will get it after the game. The Australian team will also be playing an ODI series against Pakistan around that time and those with that squad can join IPL franchises after the end of the tour.

CA clarifies the priorities

“It is a difficult period with the IPL being brought forward to accommodate the Cricket World Cup, and overlapping our domestic season,” said Cricket Australia’s Interim EGM Team Performance, Belinda Clark. “We are committed to respecting the position of the Sheffield Shield, while ensuring Australia’s World Cup squad is well prepared for this critical world event, while also ensuring those that are fit to play have opportunity to participate in the IPL.

“While this is no easy feat, I think we have managed a reasonable balance that will enable the players to consider their options and choose what is right for them and their respective teams.

They wanted to give the players clarity well in advance and the fate of their applications will be determined on a case by case basis.

“We will, as always, assess applications on a case by case basis but it is important the players understand our position in advance, so they have the clarity they need to make personal decisions,” he added.

CA’s clear priority is to make sure they have the required players at their best for the World Cup 2019 as well as the Ashes that follow.

“It is imperative that we ensure Australia is in the best possible position as we head into the Cricket World Cup and the 2019 Ashes series. This means prioritising our focus on match readiness and the health of our players.”

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