Yuvraj Singh bats for strong players’ association in India

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has called for the need to institute a strong players’ association to protect the interests of Indian cricketers. The 37-year old cited the example of Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell, who recently took a break from cricket due to mental health problems. Yuvraj said that even Indian cricketers need a committee to help them fight their professional obstacles.

“We see outside India if the players are fatigued and tired mentally, like is the case with Maxwell. He has taken a break because he is feeling it. Our players can’t do that because they fear they may lose their place,” Yuvraj was quoted as saying by PTI.

“What I would like to see is a players’ association coming up because I think the player’s voice was never heard before. So I think a players’ association that all other countries have, we should also have.”

“Play or get thrown out”

Yuvraj believes that the Indian players are overworked to an extent and such an association could help relieve the constant pressure on their bodies. He also said that there are times when cricketers do not want to play because they aren’t feeling a hundred percent. But they are forced to play under the pressure of being thrown out of the team.

“That pressure has to go off the players that even if they are tired or fatigued or carrying injuries, they have to play. That support should be given to the players. The current players need more [support]. Somebody has to stand up and give them the players association.”

“I don’t know who’s going to do that, but definitely that’s something I would like to see happening for the players. Every voice should be heard in players’ association, not only captain or vice-captain or senior players’. Every player should be asked about their opinions,” he added.

Lodha Committee recommendations

In July 2019, the BCCI approved a three-member body comprising of Kapil Dev, Shanta Rangaswamy and Ajit Agarkar as initial directors of the Indian Cricketers’ Association. This was done right after the Lodha Committee prescribed the need to establish an association for the Indian players. Two of the three members would also have to be members of BCCI’s apex council. However, the Lodha Committee specified that this association will only address the welfare of ex and present India players and will not be treated as a trade union.

“More freedom under Ganguly”

Yuvraj also feels that with Sourav Ganguly at the helm of affairs, the Indian players will have more freedom in expressing their concerns and opinions.

“Cricket from the administration point of view and cricketer’s point of view are two different things. Someone who has been a very successful captain will run cricket from a player’s point of view where cricketers’ concerns can be heard. It didn’t happen earlier. They [previous administrators] would make decisions and cricketers were not heard. Now he will listen to what cricketers want,” he concluded.

On MS Dhoni’s future

When asked about the future of his once teammate MS Dhoni, Yuvraj said that this call should be taken by the national selectors.

“I don’t know boss. You should ask your great selectors, when you meet them. That’s their call, not mine.”

He also stressed on the importance of having better selectors, considering the tough nature of the job. The selectors need to be supportive of their players and must shield them from any negativity. Yuvraj believes that the selectors’ thinking in terms of modern-day cricket is not up to the mark.