BCCI to consider second series team in Afghanistan | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Contrary to earlier reports that suggested canceling the home series against Afghanistan due to tight schedule, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now mulling the possibility of fielding another team for the series. This move is a means of providing much-needed rest to senior players, including ODI and Test captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohlibefore the West Indies tour.
After enduring an intense Indian Premier League (IPL) season which lasted almost two months, all the Indian players will participate in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final in England.
With the WTC final already demanding their full attention, senior players like Kohli and Rohit need adequate rest before embarking on a challenging tour of the West Indies that will feature all three formats of the game.

Given the limited window of the Afghanistan series scheduled for 20-30 June, the BCCI is considering either shortening the series or converting it to a T20I or ODI series. Proposed second string side, led Hardik Pandyawould then be responsible for representing India.
While visiting India for the IPL final, Mirwais Ashraf, chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), will hold talks with the BCCI to finalize the details of the proposed white-ball series between the two countries. This meeting coincides with the scheduled meeting of the Asian Cricket Council, providing an ideal opportunity for both the boards to confirm their plans.
With the IPL over, the Indian team has a busy schedule ahead of them.
Although the coaching staff and some squad members have already left for England to prepare for the WTC final against Australia, an extensive tour of the Caribbean is also on the horizon. India are scheduled to play two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is against the West Indies on 12 July – August 13.

A three-match T20I series in Ireland, mainly featuring IPL performers, is expected to follow later. Considering the workload, even Hardik Pandya might have been rested for the Ireland series Asia Cup.
Members of the Asian Cricket Council will meet during the IPL final to finalize the future of the Asia Cup 2023 tournament. If the tournament is confirmed for September, it will further add to the workload of the Indian players as they prepare for the expected 50-plus. World Championships in October-November.
With the current busy calendar, we have already seen significant injuries to key players, such as Jasprit Bumrah and Shreyas Iyerthe management’s challenge is to manage the players’ workload and ensure adequate rest and recovery.
In addition, India is scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against Australia in September, which will further boost the team’s preparations for the World Cup.

However, the BCCI faces logistical hurdles in scheduling the Afghanistan series, which was originally proposed to have three ODIs. Time constraints and the end of the broadcast contract with Disney Star are contributing factors. Nevertheless, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that the media rights bid will go ahead as planned this year, likely after the Australian series, after all relevant stakeholders have been consulted.
The BCCI is working hard to navigate complex scheduling issues and strike a balance between players’ workload, necessary rest and preparation for important upcoming events. By considering placing a second division team in the Afghanistan series, the government aims to ensure the optimal performance of its players and at the same time fulfill commitments for various tournaments.
(with income from PTI)