Kapil Dev suggests BCCI should buy aircrafts for players

The Indian cricket team has been playing consecutive series’ since the start of the year and haven’t had a period to rest yet. The Men in Blue are again set to play a string of home matches, with Australia’s tour starting this month. Head coach Ravi Shastri recently thus requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to plan the team’s schedule with more deliberation and care in the future. And now India’s 1983 World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev’s also has a suggestion.

The 58-year-old is currently a part of the four-member steering committee that is tasked to assist in the formation of a players’ association as per the Lodha panel recommendations. While Shastri has requested the BCCI to be more considerate when it comes to scheduling international matches, Kapil suggested that the Indian team should get a private plane for themselves.

India has a packed schedule ahead

In an interview with TOI, the Haryana Hurricane said, “Now that BCCI is making good money, it should have its own plane. It will save a lot of time and make life easier for Team India. The board can afford it. They should have done it five years ago.”

“I would also love to see some cricketers buying their own aircrafts in the days to come. In the US, top golfers have their own planes. I don’t see any reason why our players can’t buy it as it will save them a lot of time. I also believe that if BCCI owns planes, the players will get enough rest between matches. I am sure BCCI can also afford the parking charges,” he further added.

Virat Kohli and his men have a packed schedule for the remainder of the year as they will host three teams at home. Australia’s limited-overs tour will be followed by a visit from New Zealand, which will also follow a similar pattern. After concluding the series against the Kiwis, it will be time for India to host Sri Lanka for a full-fledged tour before they travel to South Africa towards the end of 2017 or very early next year.