'No Night Flights': Indian Cricket Team's Request to BCCI for Better Travel Planning

The Indian cricket team recently expressed their dissatisfaction with the travel arrangements made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during their tour of the West Indies. After a long wait at the airport in Trinidad, the team has requested that no further night flights be booked for their travel.

Delayed Travel Plans
The issue arose when the Indian team was scheduled to fly from Trinidad to Barbados after the second Test match against West Indies. The original plan was for the team to depart at 11 pm and arrive in Barbados early in the morning. However, due to a delayed departure, the flight only took off at 3 am, and they reached their destination at 5 am.

This delay prompted the Indian team management to request better planning for their future travels. They have asked to fly in the morning instead of late at night to ensure that the players have sufficient rest post-game. The BCCI has agreed to consider this request and is planning to revise the schedule accordingly.

Rain Plays Spoilsport
Adding to the frustrations of the Indian team, the last day of the second Test match was not concluded due to rain. Despite this setback, India won the two-match Test series 1-0 against West Indies. The team's victory was celebrated with a series-winning grin from captain Rohit Sharma.

Request for a Day Off
In light of the delayed travel and the disrupted match, the top players have also requested a day off from practice upon reaching Barbados. It is essential for the players to have some rest and recuperation after a demanding Test match and the subsequent travel delays.

Upcoming ODI Matches
The Indian team is scheduled to play two One Day Internationals (ODIs) in Bridgetown, Barbados, on July 27 and 29. Following these matches, they are set to fly back to Trinidad on the late evening of July 29 to play their third ODI on August 1.

Some of the players who were picked only for the Indian ODI squad, such as Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sanju Samson, and Umran Malik, have already reached Barbados and will soon join the rest of the team.

Preparing for the Asia Cup
After the West Indies tour, the Indian team management, in collaboration with the National Cricket Academy (NCA), has planned a week-long camp in Bangalore just before the Asia Cup. This camp aims to fine-tune the skills of the players and ensure they are in top form for the tournament.

While the Indian team for the Ireland series is yet to be selected, it is anticipated that a second-string team will be sent to Ireland. The players who are likely to be part of the 50 overs ICC World Cup squad will not participate in the Ireland series. The BCCI, in consultation with the selectors and team management, has prioritized preserving these key players for the upcoming ICC World Cup, which commences on October 5.

BCCI Calls for Meeting of State Associations
In a move to ensure smooth organization and coordination for the ICC World Cup 2023, the BCCI secretary Jay Shah has written a letter to all staging associations hosting the event. The letter requests a meeting in Delhi on July 27 to discuss and take stock of the work done so far.

Conclusion
The Indian cricket team's request for better planning and no night flights reflects their desire for adequate rest and preparation during their tours. The BCCI has acknowledged the team's concerns and is working towards revising the travel schedule accordingly. As the team prepares for the upcoming ODI matches and the Asia Cup, it is crucial to prioritize the players' well-being and performance. With their recent Test series win against West Indies, the Indian team aims to continue their success in the limited-overs format and make their mark in the upcoming ICC World Cup.