Sourav Ganguly urges BCCI to protect bowlers in IPL 2024, warns of their exploitation

The 17th season of the Indian Premier League has been a paradise for batters, with runs flowing in the form of sixes and boundaries. The dominance of batsmen has left bowlers struggling to contain the onslaught, prompting concerns from former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly.

Ganguly, also a former Board of Control for Cricket in India chief, highlighted the imbalance between bat and ball in the current IPL season. “Not easy for the bowlers. They are being carted all over, and that’s one area that needs to be looked at in the future, the balance between bat and ball,” Ganguly expressed to Hindustan Times.

The recent match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings saw a staggering 42 sixes being hit at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. KKR’s batters launched eight maximums in the first innings, while PBKS recorded a whopping 24 sixes in the second innings, setting a new record for the season.

In response to the bowlers’ plight, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took to social media with a satirical post pleading for bowlers to be saved from the onslaught. This comes after legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar suggested pushing back the boundary ropes at smaller venues to provide some relief to the bowlers.

Gavaskar emphasized the need to increase the size of the boundary at every ground to prevent the bowlers from suffering. He pointed out the gap between the fence and the advertisement boards, suggesting that pushing back the boundary by a few meters could make a significant difference in the game. As the debate on the balance between bat and ball continues, the future of IPL matches hangs in the balance.