Unseen Strain: The Travel Grind of Cricketers in IPL 2025
New Delhi: The recent Champions Trophy highlighted significant logistical challenges faced by teams, particularly with India playing all its matches in Dubai. This arrangement arose due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) being unable to secure permission to travel to Pakistan for safety reasons. Consequently, a hybrid model was adopted, leading to India, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa being stationed in Dubai while other teams played in Pakistan.
As the cricketing world shifts its focus to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the intensity of travel logistics remains a pressing concern. With all 10 IPL teams playing 14 matches each across eight venues, the physical and mental toll on players cannot be overstated.
The Travel Distances: A Closer Look
Among the teams, Royal Challengers Bangalore will cover an astounding distance of over 17,000 kilometers during the league stage alone. In contrast, the Delhi Capitals will travel approximately 9,270 kilometers. The travel schedules demand players to adapt quickly, moving from match to match with minimal downtime.
David Miller of South Africa expressed his frustrations after their exit from the Champions Trophy, emphasizing the taxing nature of quick flights and tight schedules. He noted, “It’s early morning, it’s after a game, and we had to fly. It doesn’t make it nice.”
Adapting to Challenges
Despite these challenges, players maintain a positive outlook. Abhishek Porel of Delhi Capitals stated, “You need to know when to enter game mode and when to enter chill mode.” His teammate Karun Nair echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the joy of playing the game they love and the acceptance of travel as part of the profession.
As IPL 2025 unfolds, cricketers will continue to navigate the demanding travel schedules, balancing their passion for cricket with the unseen strains of travel.
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