IPL 2019 | Australian players picked in World Cup squad won’t feature in IPL

Following the horrendous year that Cricket Australia has had so far with the sandpaper gate and top officials forced to step down, the board has been taking extreme measures for the side to return to basics. And since there could be no better way to overcome it all other than by retaining the world title, CA has decided to keep their players back home and focused for the World Cup rather than play in IPL that would conclude just 11 days prior to it.

As per the guidelines, the players selected in the 15-player World Cup squad, which will be announced in April would have to attend a pre-tournament camp in early May.  The IPL contracts have been usually running from late March till mid-May that would make it difficult for the franchises to opt for Australian players in the auction.

Not only that but the players not going to the World Cup would also need to fulfill their Sheffield Shield duties first before leaving for India. CA’s interim Team Performance chief Belinda Clark explained that the move was taken to get players mentally ready for the big tournaments ahead after months of depression.

“We are working hard to ensure their health and match readiness ahead of what will undoubtedly be a huge year in cricket, while respecting the players’ interests in playing in the various formats. It is a difficult period with the IPL being brought forward to accommodate the Cricket World Cup, and overlapping our domestic season. We are committed to respecting the position of the Sheffield Shield, while ensuring Australia’s World Cup squad is well prepared for this critical world event,” she said.

“[The IPL decision was] a reasonable balance that will enable the players to consider their options and choose what is right for them and their respective teams. It is imperative that we ensure Australia is in the best possible position as we head into the Cricket World Cup and the 2019 Ashes series,” the former women’s team skipper added.