Australian IPL-bound cricketers to miss final weeks for Cricket World Cup
Related Story: Long-term contracts could see Aussie players move away from IPL
Top Australian cricketers who want to play in the lucrative Indian Premier League are likely to miss the final weeks of the tournament if they are named in the squad for next year's Cricket World Cup, as Cricket Australia has announced its policy regarding the T20 tournament.
Key points
- The 2019 cricket schedule has the Sheffield Shield overlapping with the Indian Premier League (IPL)
- Cricket Australia will only release players for the IPL after their Sheffield Shield commitments are over
- Players named in Australia's Cricket World Cup squad will be required for a camp in early May and later practice matches
The busy 2019 cricket schedule has prompted CA to make its announcement — the IPL is being brought forward for a likely start on March 23, to allow the tournament to finish ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup, which begins on May 30.
However, Australia's squad for the Cricket World Cup will be needed for a camp in early May, plus practice matches ahead of the tournament.
There will also be an ODI series against Pakistan from mid-to-late March. Players involved will not be released by CA until the end of the series.
Likely squad members like Mitchell Starc (who was bought for $1.8 million by the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018) and Chris Lynn ($1.86 million, also to Kolkata) would face missing the final weeks of the IPL season.
Players who want to compete in the IPL will also need approval from CA in the form of a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Players will only receive NOCs once the final round of Sheffield Shield matches is played, or following the Shield final if their state is involved.
Any player released for the IPL will also be expected to make themselves available for next year's Ashes series in England, with the first Test at Edgbaston set down for August 1–5.
The 15-man squad list for the Cricket World Cup will be sent to the ICC on April 23.
CA's interim executive general manager of team performance, Belinda Clark, said officials were trying to balance the need to compete across various competitions with keeping people fit and able to perform.
"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," she said.
"It is a difficult period with the IPL being brought forward to accommodate the Cricket World Cup, and overlapping [with] 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.
"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."
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ABC .net
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