Reports: BCCI to restrict Sri Lanka and Bangladesh players from competing in IPL

The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, is scheduled to begin on March 31, and fans are buzzing with excitement as the world’s biggest T20 league returns to action once again. With the start of the tournament comes a packed schedule and a plethora of injuries for many franchises as well.

However, there have been several reports that Sri Lanka and Bangladesh players could be restricted from playing in the IPL going forward. As is the case every season, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has charted its own course with the schedule for the national team games. 

In the forthcoming edition of the tournament, only Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, and Mushfiqur Rahim will be available from April 9 to May 5, and again from May 15 onwards. Following this, the BCCI is reportedly unhappy with their partial involvement in the tournament.

On the other hand, four Sri Lankan players - Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Maheesh Theekshana - will be missing the first week of the tournament, as they will be with the national team for the New Zealand tour. Recently, it was confirmed by the BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon as well that the Bangladesh players will remain unavailable for the IPL while their players are on national duties.

“Franchises would be sceptical about picking players from certain countries if they are here to play the tournament partly,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by InsideSport.

BCCI reportedly unhappy with players’ partial involvement in the tournament

Recently, a franchise official also came forward to give his take on many of the players’ unavailability and expressed his concern over the same. Interestingly enough, even though the Indian board may seem miffed, the franchises seem to back Bangladesh players hoping that this situation will change in the future.

"It is what it is. We can’t complain because it’s the BCCI that negotiates with other boards. But of course, franchises will be sceptical about picking players from certain countries. If you see, Taskin (Ahmed) did not get the NOC, and now this. If they don’t want their players to play, they should not register. But, for sure, the perception about Bangladeshi players will change in the future," a franchise official was quoted as saying by InsideSport.

The first game of the tournament will see Gujarat Titans take on Chennai Super Kings on March 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.