Lodha Report: BCCI may have to change IPL schedule

If the Supreme Court makes Justice RM Lodha committee's recommendations on BCCI reforms final and binding, the parent cricket body might have to alter the date of the ninth edition of Indian Premier League, scheduled to start on April 9, this year.

According to one of the recommendations by the Committee, it has been suggested that there should be a 15-day gap between IPL season and national cricket calender.

The Indian cricket team will play in the ICC World T20, which will be played in the country from March 14 to April 3.

In case the Indian team qualifies for the final on April 3, the top national cricketers will be playing in IPL within a week from the completion of marquee event.

The page 42 of Volume 1 of the Lodha committee recommendations under the header 'IPL' states: "Cricket calendars also ought to keep this in mind, and the BCCI should ensure that at least 15 days gap should be provided between the IPL season and the national calendar. A testing and cramped cricketing year takes a substantial toll on a professional cricketer's body and longevity, and it is the responsibility of the BCCI to take remedial measures immediately."

The committee in its observation also reminded the BCCI that Indian players could possible follow example of foreign cricketers, who have declined IPL contracts for the longevity of their international careers.

"It ought not to be forgotten that the aim of the BCCI is to attract the best possible cricketing talent to the national side. The fact that many international players have declined lucrative IPL contracts to preserve themselves for national duty shows the path necessary for Indian cricket." 

Photograph: Reuters