New Delhi: A fresh debate over player workload has emerged after Lalit Modi sharply criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India for what he described as excessive scheduling that could harm players’ well being.
The remarks came amid reports of unease within the Indian team setup ahead of a one off Test match against Afghanistan. Gautam Gambhir is believed to have raised concerns about the tight turnaround, with several players expected to feature in the Indian Premier League 2026 final on May 31 before quickly joining the national squad for the Test beginning June 6.
This narrow window leaves limited time for recovery and preparation, potentially forcing selectors to consider in form domestic players as backup options. The situation has intensified scrutiny around how international and franchise commitments are being balanced.
Modi voiced strong disapproval of the current structure, arguing that the board is overburdening players despite having sufficient financial security. He called for a more player centric approach, stressing the importance of rest, family time, and overall mental and physical recovery. He also suggested structural changes within the board, including greater player representation and a stronger focus on professional management and development systems.
Adding to the discussion, India’s Test captain Shubman Gill highlighted the need for adequate preparation time before red ball series. He emphasised that teams should ideally have at least two weeks to prepare in order to perform at the highest level.
The issue has once again brought attention to the challenges of managing an increasingly crowded cricket calendar, where commercial commitments and international duties often compete, raising important questions about long term player welfare and performance sustainability.
