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Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has expressed concerns about India's preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup and has offered a special piece of advice to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With the IPL 2024 final scheduled for May 26, there won't be sufficient time for Team India to conduct a full-fledged training camp before the T20 World Cup, which commences on June 2. This lack of preparation time has raised apprehensions about India's readiness for the ICC tournament, especially considering that India has not won an ICC trophy since 2013.
Harbhajan Singh's advice comes in light of England's decision to prioritize T20 World Cup preparation over IPL playoffs. England players, including key figures like Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, will not be available for IPL 2024 playoffs due to their involvement in a crucial T20I series against Pakistan before the ICC tournament.
Unlike the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the BCCI has not organized a training camp for the Indian team, opting to continue with the IPL. Harbhajan Singh, speaking on Star Sports Press Room Show, highlighted the challenges posed by the IPL schedule and suggested that the BCCI should adopt a strategy similar to the ECB's for future ICC tournaments.
He emphasized the importance of having the team together for a few matches before major tournaments, citing the example of playing against top teams like England or Australia in conditions similar to those expected during the ICC event. While acknowledging the limited preparation time, Harbhajan stressed the need to make the best use of the available window for practice matches and collective training sessions.
India's T20 World Cup campaign begins on June 5, with the team placed in Group A alongside Canada, Ireland, Pakistan, and USA. The opening match against Ireland is scheduled at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Harbhajan's concerns and advice reflect a broader discussion within cricket circles about balancing domestic leagues like the IPL with national team preparation for international tournaments, especially those of significant importance like the T20 World Cup.
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