The Indian Cricket team was out of action for the major part of 2020 amid the Coronavirus pandemic. The effects of which reflected even in the financial sheet of many cricketing boards across the world. But that is now a thing of the past. As the Indian cricket team is set to embrace a year-long cricketing calendar with virtually no breaks in between.
If sources are to believed then, Virat Kohli and his boys won’t be able to rest one bit in the following year. Their calendar would be jam-packed either with international cricket or the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021).
India’s Cricketing Calendar:
As per FTP (Future Tours and Programme), India are expected to play 14 Test Matches. Not just that, they are supposed to play 16 ODIs & 23 T20 internationals from January to December in 2021 as well. Add to it the Asia Cup T20 (June), ICC World Cup (October), and IPL 2021.
What does BCCI have to say about this?
Even though an official confirmation is yet to arrive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Sources close to the parent body believe that BCCI would honour and try to accommodate all series in 2021. BCCI are seemingly looking forward to make up for the loss the board suffered in 2020.
A top official close to the BCCI was quoted saying, “We understand it will be tough on the players but we are obligated to honour FTP commitments. We have a bigger pool of talent now and we will make sure players get ample rest before called in for India duties. Rotation policy will surely come into play.”
Indian Team Schedule:
England Tour of India:
Post their return from Australia in January, India will be hosting England for a 2 month-long series comprising 4 Tests, 4 ODIs, and 4 T20Is.
IPL 2021:
Indian players will gear up for IPL 2021 once they finish off the England series. The 14th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is expected to commence on March-end. The tournament will be heading to its finale up to mid of May.
As rumours have been rife that the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League would have a mega auction, resulting in the reshuffling of franchises. And players will have limited time on their hand to settle in their new teams. Hence, they will be expected to join their respective IPL camps as soon as they finish off their international duties.
A limited-overs bilateral series in Sri Lanka and Asia Cup
No sooner than the IPL gets over, the “Men in Blue” will be traveling to Sri Lanka in June for a 3 ODI series and 5 T20I series. But the trip to Sri Lanka doesn’t end there. They are slated to play the Asia Cup too, which will be hosted by Sri Lanka.
India Tour of Zimbabwe in July
Team India will be visiting Zimbabwe in July for three ODIs and most probably all the senior members of the side are expected to be rested for this tour.
India Tour of England from July to September
The Indian team will be heading to England in late July for a gripping 5 match Test series. It surely is going to be one blockbuster of a series. These 5 tests would be played across a span of two months.
South Africa Tour of India:
Come October 2021, India will play hosts to rainbow nation, South Africa for 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is. These 5 games will act as a precursor to the T20 World Cup scheduled later in the month.
ICC T20 World Cup:
After the completion of the South Africa series, India will get on board to host the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from October to November.
India to host New Zealand from November to December:
India will be hosting New Zealand for 2 Tests and 3 T20Is from November end to mid of December. This would bring an end to their grueling home winter season which would see them hosting the likes of South Africa, T20 World Cup, and New Zealand.
India Tour of South Africa in December:
India will resume their away journey with a tour South Africa for 3 tests and 3 T2OIs in December.
It surely is a long year and many players will be looking at this as a season of opportunity.
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