ECB Expresses Displeasure Over WPL Schedule Overlapping with New Zealand and England T20 and ODI Series

In a recent development, the English Cricket Board (ECB) has expressed dissatisfaction with the scheduling of the 2nd edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) by the BCCI. The tournament is set to commence on February 23 and conclude on March 17, just two days before the England Women’s team embarks on a white-ball tour of New Zealand.

Consequently, the ECB made a request to the New Zealand Cricket Board to consider shifting the series dates, but this was not feasible. The challenge arose because the NZC had announced the schedule in July of the previous year, and the late release of the WPL schedule has posed a logistical issue for England in managing their 5-match T20I and 3-match ODI series.

The series is scheduled to commence on March 19 with the first T20I at the University Oval ground in Dunedin, followed by the remaining 4 T20Is on March 22, 24, 27, and 29. The ODI series is set to begin on April 1 at the Basin Reserve, with the remaining 2 ODIs taking place on April 4 and 7 at Seddon Park.

This series holds significant importance, particularly the T20I segment, as both England and New Zealand use it as a stepping stone in their preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, scheduled to start in September.

Jon Lewis, the head coach of the England cricket team, affirmed that the ECB had exerted considerable efforts to persuade the New Zealand Cricket Board to adjust the dates. However, he subsequently attributed the challenge to the delayed release of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) schedule by the BCCI, suggesting that the prolonged timeline from the BCCI played a role in the scheduling predicament.

“We explored every conceivable option to ensure the availability of all our players during the New Zealand series, but unfortunately, it didn’t unfold as we had hoped,” expressed Jon Lewis to ESPNCricinfo.

Acknowledging the challenges, Lewis commented, “Yes, there are factors that other boards could have addressed, but they are beyond our control, to be honest. We’ve had to respond to the situation to the best of our ability; it’s quite a unique and complex scenario. We engage with each individual, discussing and formulating what we believe is the optimal plan for them.”

The ECB has indicated that it proposed an early departure for its players to New Zealand ahead of the Women’s Premier League knockouts, but it appears unlikely to materialize at this point.

“All players engaged in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) received our support to stay in India throughout the tournament,” conveyed an ECB official to Cricinfo.

Jon Lewis expresses dissatisfaction with the Women’s Premier League (WPL) scheduling,

Jon Lewis, the head coach of the England Women’s team, also serving as the head coach for UP Warriorz in the WPL, asserted that he plans to depart from India irrespective of the team’s standing in the league. His decision stems from the belief that the New Zealand series presents an ideal opportunity for the English team to assess and challenge themselves.

“Delivering a mesmerizing century against England, we aimed to ensure that all players currently in New Zealand with us receive a fair opportunity. Rather than dealing with the possibility of Nat Sciver-Brunt being eliminated one day, flying in three days later, and potentially taking someone else’s position in the team,” Lewis concluded.

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