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Team India's departure for the T20 World Cup 2024 will be a two-part affair. The first batch, consisting of players who aren't involved in the IPL 2024 playoffs and the entire support staff led by coach Rahul Dravid, will leave for the US on May 21, the day after the IPL league stage concludes. The second batch, comprising players who make it to the IPL final scheduled for May 26, will fly out to the US after the culmination of the high-octane clash. New York City will be the initial stop for the Indian team. They are slated to play three crucial league matches there - against Ireland on June 5, Pakistan on June 9, and the USA, the host nation, on June 12.
To prepare for these matches, the team will set up camp in New York. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is making arrangements for practice facilities at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, located around 30 kilometers from Manhattan. This stadium will offer the Indian team approximately six drop-in practice pitches to hone their skills before the main event.
A scheduling clash is causing a stir in the cricketing world. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has mandated that their players currently participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) must return to England by May 22nd. This coincides with the crucial IPL playoffs, which kick off on May 21st. As a result, many English players might miss the playoffs for their respective IPL franchises to join the national team for a four-match series against Pakistan. This decision has created a conflict for both players and franchises, potentially impacting team strategies during the IPL's most important stage.
"Selected players, currently playing in the Indian Premier League, will return in time for the series against Pakistan, which gets underway at Headingley on Wednesday 22", May 2024," the ECB stated.
The upcoming England-Pakistan series throws a wrench into the IPL playoffs. Top contenders face the absence of key players due to national commitments. Rajasthan Royals, likely to qualify, will miss star opener Jos Buttler. Similarly, Kolkata Knight Riders may be without Phil Salt if they secure a playoff spot. The scramble for the top four could be further complicated. Punjab Kings, currently in contention but needing a strong finish, might miss the explosive trio of Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, and Jonny Bairstow. Chennai Super Kings, also with a decent chance, could be without the experienced Moeen Ali. For Royal Challengers Bangalore, currently struggling at the bottom, the England call-ups for Reece Topley and Will Jacks sting less due to their position in the table.
An IPL franchise official criticised the ECB's move to recall players just as the tournament reaches its most high-stakes phase.
"They will have enough time to play two matches, post the IPL final -- whichever player is involved, maximum one or two -- and then play against Pakistan in two T20Is, on May 28 and 30, and still leave on June 2 for the World Cup (as per their plan), with players properly prepped at the IPL. As if playing in England in May is going to reflect the Caribbean conditions. It freezes in England in May".
"The Pakistan series is important preparation for the England Men's team ahead of the ICC T20 Men's World Cup, so it's important we have the squad available. We've been discussing availability with our players and a number of the franchises," an ECB spokesperson said.
Talking about Team India's T20 World Cup fixture, they are placed in Group A alongside their arch-rivals Pakistan. They'll also face Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA. The Indian brigade kicks off their journey on June 5 against Ireland at the newly built Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. But cricket fans around the world will be eagerly waiting for their high-octane clash against Pakistan.
India’s Fixtures for T20 World Cup 2024-(Group A matches)
| Date | Match | Venue |
| 5 June | India vs Ireland | Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York |
| 9 June | India vs Pakistan | Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York |
| 12 June | USA vs India | Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York |
| 15 June | India vs Canada | Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill |
India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad
Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
England announce 15-member T20 World Cup squad under Jos Buttler's captaincy; Jofra Archer makes much-awaited return
South Africa announce 15-member T20 World Cup squad under Aiden Markram's captaincy; 2 players receive maiden T20I call-up
