In a significant move ahead of the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, India are set to engage in a three-day intra-squad match at the WACA Stadium in Perth, commencing this Friday. This warm-up game, however, will take place behind closed doors due to strict measures imposed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), aimed at keeping the public and media at bay.
BCCI creates a fortress of secrecy
The decision for a closed-door match comes after the BCCI initially scrapped plans for an intra-squad game between India and India A. Now, with a full 18-member squad ready to compete, the BCCI has mandated that all activities be conducted with utmost confidentiality. As reported by The West Australian, ground staff have been instructed to turn off their phones and refrain from taking any photos during the proceedings. The WACA has been draped in black covers to prevent any public viewing, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a military operation rather than a sporting event.
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Team India training under wraps
India’s training sessions have already begun at the WACA, where players like Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul have been seen honing their skills. Interestingly, Virat Kohli was notably absent from these sessions, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. The secrecy surrounding the training is not new; during their last visit to Perth for the T20 World Cup in 2022, similar measures were taken to keep prying eyes away from their preparations. However, this time, the BCCI’s lockdown appears more stringent than ever.
Pitch curator’s warning ahead of the 1st Test
As India gear up for its first Test against Australia on November 22 at Optus Stadium, the pitch curator has issued a stark warning about the conditions they will face. He indicated that the pitch will offer good bounce and pace, with a notable 10 mm of grass left on the surface to assist fast bowlers. This could pose a significant challenge for India’s batsmen as they adapt to the Australian conditions
With just days until the series opener, India’s intra-squad match will serve as a crucial opportunity for players to acclimatize and strategize. The BCCI’s decision to enforce such strict measures underscores their commitment to ensuring that the team remains focused and well-prepared for what promises to be a fiercely contested series against Australia. As fans eagerly await the action, all eyes will be on how well India can navigate these challenges in their quest for glory on Australian soil.