On Thursday Cricket Australia announced that cricketers who want to play in the IPL must receive special permission of CA and the board. The 12th edition of the lucrative Twenty20 league will be played between March 29 and May 19, having been brought forward because of the 50-overs World Cup which begins in England on May 30. The governing body has laid out a list of guidelines for its players in a move to prioritize the domestic first class competition, Sheffield Shield, and the national team’s interests.
Players involved in the Sheffield Shield final will only be released once that is concluded on April 1, while the 15 players selected to defend the World Cup will have to attend a mandatory training camp in early May and play warm-up matches. “It is a difficult period with the IPL being brought forward to accommodate the Cricket World Cup, and overlapping our domestic season,” CA’s Belinda Clark said.
“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.”
Australia are also scheduled to play a one-day series against Pakistan that could overlap with the start of the IPL and CA said players would not be released until its conclusion.
“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,” Clark added. “This means prioritising our focus on match readiness and the health of our players.”
