ICC World Cup 2023: BCCI shortlists 20 players

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shortlisted 20 players for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled to take place in India.

According to Cricbuzz, at the board's annual general meeting on Sunday, the decision was made to form a potent 15-man squad for the mega event later in the year.

However, names of the players shortlisted were not revealed in the report. 

"It was a very constructive and fruitful meeting where we have reviewed the past performance and planned for future events, including World Cup and World Test Championship (WTC). We will give preference for international cricket while making sure the IPL is not diluted," a BCCI source told the publication.

"The issues of player availability, workload management, and fitness parameters were also discussed at length during the meeting along with the roadmap to the Cricket World Cup 2023," the source added.

It is worth mentioning here that important decisions, including putting bilateral and international cricket first, were taken by India head coach Rahul Dravid, captain Rohit Sharma, chief selector Chetan Sharma, and NCA head VVS Laxman.

BCCI president Roger Binny participated in the meeting via video link. 

India's dismal performance in the 2022 Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, player availability, workload management, and fitness standards were among the other topics covered in the discussion.

"Keeping in mind the Men's FTP and preparations for ICC CWC 2023, the NCA will work in tandem with the IPL Franchisee to monitor the targeted Indian players participating in the IPL 2023," the BCCI said in a statement on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Yo-Yo Test and Dexa will now be used for the selection criteria.

"The Yo-Yo Test and Dexa will now be part of selection criteria and implemented in the customised road maps of the central pool of players," it added.

It must be noted here that the ODI World Cup 2023 will take place in India in October-November.