Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals are amongst the teams that are planning to take net bowlers to United Arab Emirates. With IPL 2020 set to be played in UAE, many teams are already making their own plans.
BCCI have a strict rule to have a maximum of 24-man squad but there is no cap on total contingent. So franchises are planning to take bowlers who will be used exclusively in practice sessions.
It is indeed quite a new tactic as all teams are preparing their best to challenge for the title. These bowlers mainly comprise of cricketers from U-19 , U-23 and first class level in each state.
Chennai Super Kings have already confirmed on taking the bowlers to UAE as part of preparations for IPL season.
“If all goes well, we are planning to take around 10 bowlers exclusively to UAE for the practice sessions. They will be accompanying the team and will remain till the tournament starts,” Chennai Super Kings CEO Kashi Vishwanathan told PTI.
Meanwhile, there is also confirmed news on similar development in KKR base. According to reports, these bowlers will be picked by former cricketer Abhishek Nayar.
“It will be a blend of players of who have played Ranji Trophy while some of have played U-23 and U-19 national level tournaments,” a source said.
A source close to Delhi Capitals has also confirmed that the franchise is planning to take six net bowlers to UAE.
IPL Inching Closer, Preparations Begin
The mega event is not away and fans can be happy with it. The tournament will begin in less than five weeks now and preparations are in full swing.
Quarantine measures and covid testing has already took place in majority of franchises. Meanwhile, teams like Chennai Super Kings are already preparing in Ranchi for the upcoming season.
The team even thought to fly out soon to Dubai but BCCI restrictions meant no team can fly till August 20. This season would be unique especially with empty stadiums due to covid pandemic.
However, this will be the new normal at least for the coming months. There is no way any cricket board will take risk by playing in front of audience until the Corona pandemic subsides.
