Harbhajan Singh rues India's T20 World Cup preparation, blames 'IPL scheduling' and sends special advice to BCCI

Harbhajan Singh lamented India's preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup and had a special advice for BCCI.

Updated on: May 14, 2024, 16:24:02 IST

By Neelav Chakravarti

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With the IPL 2024 final scheduled for May 26, Team India won't be able to have a full-fledged training camp until then for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The T20 World Cup will begin on June 2, and India haven't won a ICC trophy since 2013.

Harbhajan Singh had some advice for BCCI. (Twitter)

In a huge move, England's players won't be available for the IPL 2024 playoffs due to T20 World Cup preparation. England will take on Pakistan in a four-match T20I series prior to the ICC tournament. So IPL fans won't get to see the likes of Phil Salt and Jos Buttler in action after the league phase.

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But unlike the ECB, the BCCI hasn't called the Indian team for a training camp, preferring the IPL. Speaking on Star Sports Press Room Show,commentator & cricket expert with IPL official tv broadcaster Harbhajan Singh lamented IPL's schedule and hoped the BCCI would follow ECB's template for future ICC tournaments.

"I think with this IPL scheduling, it is so difficult to have everyone together to play a few matches. But yes, we have two games in America before the tournament starts," he said, while speaking to Hindustan Times.

"Yes, I believe it would have been better for them to have 4-5 games, you know collectively playing against some top team like England or Australia in America, just to get used to those conditions. But that doesn't seem to be happening. But now, whatever small window we have, those two games, we have to make the best use of it. Going forward, it is a great suggestion. When you are playing a tournament like the World Cup or WTC, the team should play together for 10-15 days, it will be better," he further added.

India begin their T20 World Cup campaign on June 5, and are placed in Group A with Canada, Ireland, Pakistan and USA. India open their campaign against Ireland on June 5, at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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