Team India will face the challenge of the limited time between the end of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) and the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue are expected to have just one warm-up match ahead of the ICC event, as uncertainty persists over the venue.
It’s worth mentioning that the IPL’s league phase concludes on May 19, with the final slated for May 26. Cricbuzz reports that there is still uncertainty regarding why only one warm-up match has been arranged.
Traditionally, teams play two warm-up games before the group stage of an ICC tournament. Regarding the venue for the sole warm-up match, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is advocating for it to take place in New York, where India is scheduled to play three out of their four group matches.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has currently planned India’s warm-up match in Florida. However, the BCCI argues that after two months of intense cricket in the IPL, fatigued team members will find it challenging to travel to Florida for a warm-up match.
While every squad member has been actively involved in the IPL, they haven’t played together since the home series against Afghanistan in January.
Team India entered the 2023 ODI World Cup with minimal or no warm-up action. Both of their planned warm-up matches against the Netherlands and England were entirely washed out due to rain.
The initial group of squad members from India is scheduled to depart on May 25-26
Initially, it was presumed that the members would depart for the United States immediately after the conclusion of the IPL league stage. However, the first batch will not leave the country until May 25, and those involved in the IPL playoffs will join the squad later.
Team India has been placed in Group A of the 2024 T20 World Cup alongside Pakistan, Canada, the United States, and Ireland. Their campaign kicks off with a match against Ireland on June 5 in New York.
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