India’s cricket board faces mounting scrutiny over its medical infrastructure as multiple players remain sidelined by injuries ahead of an upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Recent additions to the injury list include batsman Sai Sudharsan, who joins fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana, along with middle-order players Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar in missing the upcoming matches. The situation has prompted high-level discussions, with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia traveling to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to address concerns with facility head VVS Laxman.
During a recent press conference, Laxman disclosed that the BCCI has encountered obstacles in recruiting qualified personnel for its medical team. The board reportedly approached several candidates, though negotiations with some potential hires collapsed before finalization. This revelation has drawn criticism from former player Mohammad Kaif, who questioned why the world’s wealthiest cricket organization struggles to attract top-tier medical professionals and rehabilitation specialists.
Kaif expressed particular astonishment at the recruitment difficulties, noting the BCCI’s substantial financial resources and the prestige of working with Indian cricket. He highlighted that other sporting opportunities, such as IPL contracts, successfully draw international talent. The former cricketer stressed that resolving the staffing issues at the Centre of Excellence is critical, given the visible impact injuries are having on team selection and performance as India prepares for the Sri Lanka series beginning August 15.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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