Former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif has recently raised some doubts on the BCCI’s approach to the country’s injury toll, calling for a timely response to the concerns raised about the Centre of Excellence (CoE), established in Bengaluru.
The CoE has emerged as a big topic with setups to the tune of several Indian players continuing to limp away with injuries. Sai Sudharsan and Jasprit Bumrah are among the new names that have been put on the list, putting pressure on the sports science and player-management regime in India.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and BCCI’s Head of Cricket VVS Laxman spoke with the media about the operations of the facility in Bengaluru. Laxman said that the board had had trouble replacing the out-going Sports Science and Medicine Head, Nitin Patel.
Due to heavy rotation, the seat has remained vacant since the BCCI contacted numerous prospects but could not secure a response from anyone, Laxman said. According to reports, some had opted in to the job only to drop it at the last minute.
Kaif questions BCCI’s Approach
Kaif claimed that the situation has to be addressed soon and suggested the BCCI has been lax about the increasing number of injuries.
In an interview in his YouTube studio, the former batter urged the “experts” appointed by the board to find out why the issue is a problem and make sure it does not get worse.
Kaif also said that in spite of the financial muscle and being able to sign big names in the services fraternities BCCI has failed to attract some of the best physiotherapists and other medical players to its fold.
He said the IPL was very popular among the overseas players and cricketers from all over the world are ready to sacrifice everything to join the IPL being held in India as its premier T20 league.
Growing Pressure on CoE
The new criticism comes in a string of stress faced by the BCCI to improve its sports science and medical setup.
The recruitment of players for rehabilitation and approach towards their fitness has come in for criticism as injuries continue to percolate through India’s ability to be available and effective.
Kaif feels that the BCCI should leverage on that money to get the cricketers of the world of their choice and must utilise it for the problem or it could have grave repercussions on the Indian cricket if it’s not solved.