Restriction on Australian players’ participation in IPL 2019

Australian players’ participation in IPL 2019: The Australian players will have a limited role to play in IPL 2019.

In a bid to manage their workload and not let them exhaust, limitations are all set to be applied on Australian players who are looking forward to play both the 12th season of the IPL (Indian Premier League) and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

The decision has been taken by Cricket Australia’s interim high performance chief Belinda Clark to make sure that Australia’s World Cup 2019 players play the Sheffield Season and all international matches for Australia ahead of the mega international event.

If representing Australia costs these players a skip from their IPL duties, then be it as playing for Australia is supposed to be given the highest priority.

“In the interest of making Australians proud of our team, we are working hard to ensure their health and match readiness ahead of what will undoubtedly be a huge year in cricket, while respecting the players’ interests in playing in the various formats,” said Clark.

If reports are to be believed, IPL 2019 will commence from March 23 to corroborate that the Indian cricketers get enough rest ahead of the World Cup. Apparently, the date clashes with the last match of the Sheffield Shield.

After the domestic tournament, Australia are scheduled to play a 50-over series against Pakistan as a part of preparation for the World Cup. It will be followed by a pre-tournament camp back home.

“It is a difficult period with the IPL being brought forward to accommodate the Cricket World Cup, and overlapping our domestic season. 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,” she further said.

“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,” 48-year old Clark added.

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