Fatigue no reason: BCCI by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Event:

ICC World Twenty20 2009

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DateLine: 17th June 2009

 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hit back at Gary Kirsten after the India coach claimed that fatigue played a major role in India's early exit from the ICC World T20 in England.

 

The defending champions were knocked out in the Super Eights following defeats to West Indies and hosts England, prompting the head coach Kirsten to suggest his players were tired and lacked intensity due to a hectic and demanding Indian Premier League.

 

But BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla said that players are never forced to turn out for tournaments against their will. He said they are free to ask for rest and they are granted that as well.

 

"The BCCI has made it very clear that players who are tired and fatigued can always inform the board or the selectors and the board would look into it," he said.

 

"We have no problems with resting players if they want the rest. We are not forcing any player to participate in any tournament or series."

 

Shukla also pointed out players were well aware of the international schedule in advance.

 

"Having known the calendar, I don't think players do not make up their minds about whether they would participate in tournaments," he said.

 

"They are professionals and are capable of deciding which tournaments they want or don't want to play in.

 

"Should they miss a tournament due to injury or due to fatigue they can always return to the team once they recover."