Don't go for IPL trials – BCCI's instruction to U-19 cricketers ahead of World Cup

New Delhi: The Board of Cricket for Control in India (BCCI) has asked the U-19 cricketers not to go for IPL trials keeping in mind the upcoming World Cup to be held in Bangladesh.

According to a report in The Indian Express, the Indian board's instructions came as a precautionary measure to avoid getting players injured in any of these games just one month before the prestigious tournament.

The report added that the directive came from India under-19 team manager Manuj Sharma few days ago and the message reads, “No player will attend any tournament, practice match, or Any Trials except Vijay Hajare (Hazare) tournament (tournament).”

A BCCI official also told the newspaper that they didn't want the youngsters to be distracted ahead of the U-19 World Cup.

“Players are just advised to have a light session at the nets and try to avoid any competitive game. We don’t want any of these selected players to get injured while playing a league cricket. We have even advised them not to go for any IPL trials as it can be a distraction. At the same time, there can be risk of getting injured,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express.

Despite board's instructions, the players won’t miss out on any potential IPL offers as the main player auction will be held in February, after the World Cup.

Many IPL franchises, including Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians, have already begun their trials for next season.