ICC, BCCI for 'balance' to decide how much is too much

New Delhi, Apr 27 (UNI) Chiefs of the world's richest board and the governing body of the game today joined the debate on the vexed issue of players' burn-out and both Sharad Pawar and Ehsan Mani admitted there was a need to strike a balance between the individual board's committment and the cricketers' interest.

''I have seen the reports (where playes complained about overkill). At ICC, we stretched the FTP (Future Tours Programme) from five to six-year cycle and were criticised for that. That move allowed more space for our member boards to accommodate their tours,'' ICC President Ehsan Mani told reporters here today.

''Anyway, I feel there is a need to strike a balance somewhere to determine what is the right quantum of cricket against too much of cricket. Back to back series puts pressure on the players. But I think most of the boards are managing the issue well,'' he said.

BCCI President Sharad Pawar also echoed his view and said, ''I agree with Mr Mani and we have to strike the balance to prevent it.'' Of late the issue of cricketer's burn-out has found support from all corners of the cricketing world with players like Sachin Tendulkar, Inzamam-ul Haq, Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting voicing their concern over the growing commitments.

UNI AY