Champions Trophy to IPL: How Travel Demands Are Testing Cricketers

From Dubai to Pakistan and Back—A Logistical Marathon

As the situation developed, India, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa were all positioned in Dubai before the semi-final as Group A was decided in a dramatic ending. After New Zealand was overcome by India in the last group match, both South Africa and New Zealand were relocated to Pakistan for the semi-final. 

As a result of fixture arrangements and logistical constraints, South Africa boarded a flight to Dubai the morning after their last round-robin encounter and made it to the UAE in the afternoon. After their fate was determined, preparations were being made for their flight back less than 12 hours after arrival.

Delhi, Rajasthan & Punjab Set for Extra Travel in IPL

The travel ordeal was highlighted by David Miller following their exit. “It’s only an hour and 40-minute flight, but the fact that it had to be taken was not ideal," Miller commented after South Africa’s 50-run defeat to New Zealand. 

It was scheduled early in the morning, after a game, and a flight had to be boarded. Then, Dubai was reached at 4:00 pm, and by 7:30 am, the return journey had to be undertaken. This did not make it less challenging. It’s not as though a five-hour flight had occurred, which would have ensured adequate time for recovery, yet the situation remained undesirable. 

In the next two months, cricketers will be subjected to rigorous travel during the Indian Premier League (IPL). Fourteen games will be played by each of the ten IPL teams-seven at home and seven away. Accordingly, matches are set to be played at eight different locations. Yet, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings differ in this regard, as their fixtures will span across nine venues. All three of them have been assigned secondary home venues in Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, and Dharamsala.

From Matches to Flights: The Rigorous Routine of IPL Players

The Delhi Capitals, aiming for their first IPL title and currently captained by Axar Patel is set to cover the second-shortest distance among the 10 teams. While Royal Challengers Bengaluru, another team seeking their maiden title, will travel over 17,000 km during the league stage alone, DC will be flown 9,270 km across the country travel span second only to Sunrisers Hyderabad (covering over 8,500 km).

From Miller’s experience, it is evident that being an IPL cricketer is demanding in ways that go beyond the typical on-field challenges. The schedule demands playing a match, having belongings packed, boarding a flight the following day, engaging in practice, and then preparing for the next game with a short turnaround period.