'Hard for players to say no'

"It is hard for the players to say no. Each game is important. As a professional cricketer, it is one's responsibility to play. IPL has value for the BCCI as it is not a competition that is played in off-shore. It is a genuine cricket tournament and it is important to the Indian landscape."
Stephen Fleming, the Chennai Super Kings coach, says the decision to opt out is a difficult one for players to make.

"I am a fan of the rotation policy, and where possibly it must come into effect, especially when it comes to fast bowlers. To do this, there has to be proper planning in place. As one player takes rest, it creates an opportunity for someone else to gain valuable exposure, and this will only strengthen the bench."
Venkatesh Prasad, the Royal Challengers Bangalore bowling coach, feels players need to be given a break due to the increasing volume of cricket.

"Gambhir's shoulder injury will actually catch BCCI on a sticky wicket. Gambhir was playing in a BCCI-sanctioned tournament and was only honouring his commitment towards his franchise, who had bought him at a record price."
Wasim Akram, the Kolkata Knight Riders bowling coach, also called the BCCI's intinerary for Indian players was "inhuman".

"One has to be realistic and understand that in the practical world, franchisees that pay huge sums for players would try and get the best returns from them in terms of performance and leveraging their star value. Therefore, it is important to realise that the player here is a professional worker like any other professional in other fields of work, who does not have a choice!"
Kiran More, India's former chief selector, says players are not to be blamed.