Selectors likely to watch second half of IPL

The Indian national selectors are waiting for the green signal from the BCCI before they fly out to venues of the Indian Premier League to monitor the fitness and form of players who are in the mix for the tri-nation one-day series in Bangladesh, starting on June 8.

Dilip Vengsarkar, the chairman of the selection panel, confirmed that he has submitted a proposed itinerary to the board for the five selectors to be present at various IPL matches.

"It's not that only those playing for IPL will be selected. But we felt that by watching the second half of the tournament, we would get a fair idea of the form and fitness of players," Vengsarkar said.

The seven-day tri-series, also involving Pakistan and hosts Bangladesh, starts a week after the IPL final in Mumbai on June 1 and is expected to serve as a warm-up for the Asia Cup in Pakistan, starting on June 24.

On Tuesday night, Sourav Ganguly, the skipper of IPL's Kolkata Knight Riders who was recently dropped from the one-day squad, had hoped he was one of the contenders for a slot. Asked about his "youthful" display in the win over the Delhi Daredevils, the 35-year-old Ganguly replied: "Yes, I hope the national selectors are watching."