IPL 2020: CSK, KKR, DC Among Franchises To Carry Exclusive Net Bowlers To UAE

IPL 2020 might be taking place in the UAE but dozens of unheralded cricketers are set to get a chance to bowl at the top stars of the game as net bowlers during the competition. The entire tournament is going to take place in UAE because of the alarming coronavirus situation in India.

The thirteenth edition of IPL is scheduled to start September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10. And before departing for UAE, at least three franchises, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are preparing a roster of net bowlers. The players will travel with the teams as “exclusive” net bowlers.

The net bowlers’ list comprises mostly First-Class, U-19 and U-23 state level cricketers.The BCCI has already told the teams that they can only have a 24-member squad. However, the board has not capped the contingent volume for the franchises.

“If all goes well, we are planning to take around 10 bowlers exclusively to UAE for the practice sessions. They will be accompanying the team and will remain till the tournament starts,” Chennai Super Kings CEO Kashi Vishwanathan told PTI.

Kolkata Knight Riders also confirmed the development and stated that they will take 10 net bowlers with them. The bowlers will be picked by former Mumbai captain and their academy coach Abhishek Nayar.

“It will be a blend of players of who have played Ranji Trophy while some of have played U-23 and U-19 national level tournaments,” the news agency quoted a source as saying.

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals are taking around six net bowlers as a franchise source said: “They will be staying with the squad and will travel with the team for the net sessions.”

Usually, the local bowlers are used for nets apart from the junior fringe players. However, the franchises are being forced to pick exclusive net bowlers because of the strict bio-security measures for the tournament.

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