Indian board’s itinerary is inhuman, says Wasim Akram

In the wake of Gautam Gambhir’s injury controversy, former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram termed the itinerary chalked out by BCCI for Team India as “inhuman”.

In the wake of Gautam Gambhir’s injury controversy, former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram termed the itinerary chalked out by BCCI for Team India as “inhuman”.

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“At a time when the club versus country debate is doing the rounds, I wonder if the BCCI has planned its calendar keeping players’ welfare in mind,” Akram said.

“While I reiterate that IPL must have a separate window, top-line Indian cricketers are playing far too many competitive matches. The itinerary is simply inhuman and the effects are already showing,” he added.

“Gambhir’s shoulder injury will actually catch BCCI on a sticky wicket. Gambhir was playing in a BCCI-sanctioned tournament and was only honouring his commitment towards his franchise, who had bought him at a record price,” said Akram, who is also the Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling coach.

“I hear Gambhir was already injured during the World Cup. Therefore, it is up to a player to decide what is good and bad for him. Gambhir's Delhi-mate Virender Sehwag is another case. Sehwag is already out of the West Indies series and doubtful for the England tour, too. It's a blessing in disguise that Delhi Daredevils did not go the full distance in the IPL! More matches would have only delayed Sehwag’s treatment,” he added.