BCCI Cannot Interfere with IPL Franchises' Player Fitness Assessments: Saikia The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that it cannot intervene in the fitness evaluations conducted by IPL franchises for its contracted players during the tournament. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized this stance during a press conference in Mumbai on May 19, 2026, following the announcement of India’s squad for the home series against Afghanistan. Saikia stated that franchises are responsible for managing player injuries and fitness, while BCCI physiotherapists from the Centre of Excellence provide additional monitoring. Saikia explained that the BCCI’s role is limited during the IPL, as franchises have autonomy over their players’ fitness protocols. “We cannot interfere too much when the IPL is going on,” he said, noting that the BCCI’s physios oversee workload management and fitness plans but do not override decisions made by the franchises. He added that the BCCI’s control is more pronounced when dealing with the national team, as fitness assessments directly impact selection for international matches. The comments came amid ongoing debates about player fitness in the IPL, particularly regarding high-profile cases. Varun Chakaravarthy, for instance, is reportedly bowling despite a fractured toe, while Arshdeep Singh’s fitness status remains unclear due to a recurring niggle. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, both key members of the national team, have been selected subject to fitness clearance by the BCCI. Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, echoed Saikia’s sentiments, stating that fitness decisions are best left to experts. “I am not an expert in that area,” Agarkar said. “If they tell me a certain guy is fit, I have to trust that person when we pick them.#mumbai #bcci #ipl #varun_chakaravarthy #devajit_saikia
BCCI Can't Micro-Manage Player Workloads During IPL, Says Secretary Devajit Saikia The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has faced renewed scrutiny over its approach to managing the workload and fitness of centrally contracted players during the Indian Premier League (IPL). BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the controversy, emphasizing that the board cannot micromanage players’ schedules and physical conditions during the IPL, a stance that has sparked ongoing debates about the balance between franchise autonomy and national team selection priorities. The discussion gained traction after the BCCI announced its squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan, which includes a one-off Test and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Key decisions in the selection process highlighted the tension between player fitness and competitive demands. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has been monitored for workload management, and all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja (injured) and Axar Patel were rested for the series. Meanwhile, reports surfaced about mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy bowling for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) despite a fractured toe, and uncertainty surrounding Punjab Kings’ Arshdeep Singh’s fitness. Saikia clarified that the BCCI’s role is limited to monitoring, not direct control, during the IPL. “We can’t micro-manage the workload and fitness of the players during the IPL because otherwise, it will be interference in the functioning of the franchises by the BCCI regarding the activities of their teams and players,” Saikia told The Times of India. He explained that franchisees are responsible for injury management and fitness planning, with the BCCI’s physios at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru providing additional oversight.#bcci #kolkata_knight_riders #ipl #pune_kings #devajit_saikia
