Believe FTP for next two years should be reworked: Azharuddin

Former India captain-turned-administrator Mohammed Azharuddin feels that all cricket boards should come toger to redraw international calendar as COVID-19 pandemic has ensured that current schedule is irredeemable. Azharuddin, who is president of Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), feels that tweaking of Futures Tours and Programmes (FTP) is also necessary to accommodate Indian Premier League, which is important for both domestic and foreign players. "I am sure y can have a restructured FTP for two years because of so much of uncertainty in prevailing circumstances. I mean you can always prepare for good times but you can't prepare for bad times," 57-year-old former skipper told PTI during an interaction. "Once things settle down, we can have a dialogue with or member nations," he added.

'FTP for next two years should be reworked'

IPL, which was scheduled to be held from March 29-May 24, is set to be postponed indefinitely as country stares at a lockdown till end of this month to contain pandemic.

"I think if y have to slot IPL, whole itinerary needs to be changed. That's one option or else stick to current itinerary with whatever gone being gone.

"But that means huge losses for all stakeholders and is t practical," said Azharuddin, whose own Association hosts seven home games of Sunrisers Hyderabad.

"refore, I am expecting a complete overhaul of FTP, if we have to fit in IPL. I feel all boards will agree as everybody is getting affected. But obviously BCCI gets affected more," he added.

IPL has so much prominence because foreign players like Jos Buttler and Pat Cummins have expressed ir willingness to participate in tournament at some point of year. " one will say to IPL. t even foreign players. So many people thrive on IPL," he set record straight. "For a lot of our domestic guys, who are t India regulars, let's accept y look forward to IPL."

However, man who led India in three editions of 50-over World Cup doesn't think that World T20 in Australia in October-vember will be done away with. "I don't think World T20's slot will be gone. It's third week of October and if things are okay by n, I would believe World T20 will happen. "This is purely my personal opinion as you can't tinker with a World Cup. But obviously IPL will get accommodated in somewhere."

He agreed that current situation is frustrating for players. "Since y are t able to do any nets, that's a problem. Once y come back, y would feel that lack of practice time. "Pretty sure most players have ir own fitness programmes. Once rmalcy returns, it will probably take a week to get back touch," veteran of 99 Tests and 334 ODIs, concluded. 

Im credits: Twitter