Franchises Not Keen On BCCI Sending NCA Physio For IPL 2020 In The UAE

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s [BCCI] proposal to send National Cricket Academy physiotherapist Ashish Kaushik to travel to the United Arab Emirates to track the Indian cricketers hasn’t really gone down well with the IPL franchises.

The franchise are of the view that no outsider should be allowed to enter the bio-secure bubble and interact with the players during the tournament.

This has also raised the issue of franchises’ not placing confidence in NCA’s handling of players. The NCA has come under the scanner in recent times due to its alleged mishandling of injured players. Recently, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya had both opted to seek outside medical help when they were both injured. Also, in the past, the way Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Wriddhiman Saha, and Kedar Jadhav’s injury and rehabilitation were managed, it raised a question mark on NCA’s handling.

“Franchises hire the best physios and trainers from around the world. The NCA guys can interact with players and franchises through video conferencing. There is also a trust deficit between the players and NCA. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s hernia went undetected. Kedar Jadhav’s return was rushed. Wriddhiman Saha’s rehabilitation was ‘messed up’. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah had their share of unpleasant experiences at the NCA. Who wants to take chances? The NCA has time and again proved incapable.” said those tracking developments as quoted by Cricket Next,

‘Franchises take care of their players throughout the year’

Besides the lack of confidence in NCA’s handling, the franchises also feel that coordination will be an issue. The source also added that franchisees have hired some of the best facilities for its players.

“Coordination will be an issue and we don’t want too many cooks spoiling the broth. Let’s have a proper system in place and follow it to the T. Franchises take care of their players throughout the year. The best facilities are being made available in the UAE. Franchises have some of the best support staff. Take Delhi Capitals, for example. They brought Patrick Farhart on board as soon as he quit Team India. Kolkata Knight Riders’ Kamlesh Jain, who did his masters in sports therapy from London Met, has been the head physio at the Cricket Association of Bengal,” they added.

“Chennai’s Tommy Simsek is someone who has MS Dhoni’s trust. Former Team India physio John Gloster is with Rajasthan Royals,” say those in the know.

The 13th edition of the IPL will kickstart from September 19.

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