Cricketers of all nationalities wait expectantly for the IPL season to commence. This is because the tournament not only offers them lucrative opportunities but also helps them hone their cricketing skills. However, the players from the England Cricket Team seem to be a bit disappointed as the recent IPL season clashes with some of their international tournaments and England first-class seasons. So much are the players discontented, that they have persuaded ECB (England & Wales Cricket Board) to get in touch with the BCCI officials to consider rescheduling IPL seasons in coming years.
Recently, David Collier, the ECB chief was seen travelling to India to have a meeting with BCCI. As reported by the Times, there has been clouding-up impatience among England players who want to be part of tournaments such as the Indian Premier League. Most of the players from England, including Matt Prior, have been unable to attract bids because the franchises were a bit skeptical about their presence. The report also states that David Collier has asked the BCCI officials to conclude IPL season just by April-end so that it does not coincide with England team’s other international schedules. The sixth season of IPL will end on May 26, just 10 days after the test series between New Zealand and England kicks off!
The ECB Chief admitted to having some prolific talks with BCCI officials. He stated that the people at BCCI were doing their best but they have their limitations as well. These talks came into light when ECB was considering re-negotiating the value of contracts with England players. The Professional Cricketer’s Association insisted the ECB on having talks with the BCCI to reschedule the IPL season, as they wanted to cash in the lucrative opportunities. The association has been negotiating a pay-hike for its members because of their absence in IPL. It argues that their Australian counterparts have a far better pay and even get the opportunity to take part in tournaments such as the IPL. Instead of giving a pay-hike, the ECB looked for other options and therefore agreed to have talks with the BCCI.
Despite of the fruitful talks between the BCCI and ECB, the idea of concluding IPL seasons by April-end is far from becoming a reality. Bangladesh is all set to host the World Twenty20 starting from March 16 and stretching up to April 6 next year. Then we have the biggie World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, which will commence from February and conclude by the end of March 2015. Next, there is again the World Twenty-20 in India, which will run through mid-April. Where is the chance for IPL seasons getting over soon?