Now, reports have emerged that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is mulling subjecting Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi players to a “shadow ban” in the next auction. In 2023, players from these two countries will not play opening matches of IPL in 2023 as they will be on national team duty. At present, Sri Lanka is contesting a white-ball series in New Zealand while the Bangladesh players are set to arrive in India late, on account of their series against Ireland at home. This has annoyed the BCCI and the IPL franchisees.
If so, the Bangladesh players are also likely to have a much shorter break as they would have to fly to England ahead of the start of the 2023 County Championship, due to begin soon after IPL 2023, as well as the three-match ODI series against Ireland, from May 9 to 14. The BCCI and franchises are now on the brink of forming a largely shadow ban on cricketers only from some countries appealing me the most. Reportedly This is particularly frustrating the BCCI who are unimpressed with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for delaying the release of NOCs of its players.
The BCCI and the franchises are said to be furious over the BCB’s action, which they believe shows that players who cannot honour an IPL commitment should not register in the first place. They can also take a call that they will never select any player south of the subcontinent in future. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face Gujarat Giants (GT) in the tournament opener on March 31, 2023 at the IPL 2023. Whether the Bangladesh or Sri Lankan players fiasco pops up in the course of the tournament, only time will tell.
