As the current season of first-class cricket nears its conclusion, some players are expressing concerns over what they perceive as rushed scheduling by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), asserting that it doesn’t align with the best interests of player well-being and injury prevention.

With only three games remaining in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season – two underway and one yet to be played – players are voicing their belief that a mere three-day gap between matches is insufficient. This season, the BCCI packed 137 first-class matches into a tight 70-day window, running from January 5 to March

Players’ Concerns Over Compact Scheduling

R Sai Kishore, the captain of Tamil Nadu, disclosed that several players share this sentiment, particularly noting the disproportionate strain placed on fast bowlers due to the compact scheduling. Kishore himself, being a spinner, adapts his training regimen accordingly but acknowledges the challenges faced by fast bowlers.

Shardul Thakur, the Mumbai and India all-rounder, expressed more explicit concerns, urging the BCCI to reconsider the scheduling of Ranji matches. Reflecting on his experience of past seasons, Thakur highlighted the historically longer breaks between matches and emphasized the potential for increased player injuries if the current trend persists.

BCCI should consider enough break between Ranji Trophy matches; just 3 days rest time between 9 matches could lead to a lot of injuries: Shardul Thakur

— Mohsin Kamal (@64MohsinKamal) March 3, 2024

Complains regarding Ranji Trophy to BCCI this season made by players, from Manoj Tiwary, Hanuma Vihari to Shardul Thakur – Umpires come drunk, no proper dressing room or grounds, no facilities, politics in selection, no breaks & constant injury scares due to lack of breaks. pic.twitter.com/vPeX3LECJ3

— Sharan M. (@SharanM333902) March 3, 2024

Thakur cautioned against the physical toll of playing ten consecutive matches with minimal rest, especially considering the elimination of breaks that previously existed in the tournament’s format. With the schedule becoming increasingly demanding, Thakur predicts a surge in injuries across the country if the situation remains unchanged.

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Balancing Cricketing Calendar with Player Welfare

Behind the scenes, the BCCI faces its own set of challenges in crafting the cricket calendar. With a staggering 1846 matches scheduled for the season, including women’s and age-group games, the BCCI was compelled to commence the season earlier than usual, starting in June rather than the typical September-October timeframe.

For senior players, the season encompasses seven tournaments, each with its own duration, ranging from the Duleep Trophy to the Ranji Trophy Elite and Plate divisions. The logistics of accommodating all these fixtures while also considering player welfare pose a significant challenge for the BCCI.

In light of players’ concerns and the logistical complexities faced by the BCCI, finding a balance between the demands of the cricketing calendar and player well-being emerges as a pressing issue.

As the season draws to a close, the debate surrounding scheduling adjustments to accommodate player needs is likely to intensify, prompting stakeholders to explore potential solutions that prioritize both the integrity of the game and the health of its participants.