Time to implement rotation policy?

There was recently an article in the Inbox about allowing five foreign players in the IPL by Karan Mamgain. While it generated the usual heated debate in the feedback section, one particular comment by 'cricsavvy' caught my eye - how about implementing a rotation policy? Going through the pros and cons discussed in the feedback, one does feel four is a justified cap on the number of foreign players. However, using a cap in the form of a rotation policy can also be another way at looking to develop competition in the squads. This way, whether the limit on foreign players is four or five, it doesn't have a huge effect.

So how about stipulating that a player (except the nominated captain) can only play a maximum of 75% of the total matches in the league stage for his team? This would mean a cap of 12 games per player this season.

In the case of a team loaded with internationals like Kolkata Knight Riders, they could field five foreigners if they wished so they wouldn't have to face a selection dilemma (like Shakib v Narine) for at least 12 games. However, local players will still be motivated knowing that at one point in the season, their turn is surely going to come. Having a cap on their chances also motivates them to make as much use of them as possible, so they can cement their place for the knock-out stages.

The cap may also have an effect of evening out the competition in the league - game-breakers like Malinga, Pollard and Gayle who are automatic picks will miss for games and the opposition have a chance to capitalise on that opportunity. The same games provide a chance for a local player to step up to the stage and show they can also be game-breakers. This way, no fringe player will be warming the benches for the whole season and every player in the squad gets a chance.

It is also usual in grade and club cricket to find that a player should have played a minimum number of matches to feature in the finals. Using that condition as well, we could come up with a stipulation in the IPL that for a player to be eligible in the knockout stages, he should have played a minimum of 25% of the matches. This condition makes sure that a team should have at least 16-17 players with four matches under their belt before the knock-outs. This way, we can also avoid monotony in team selections and see sides like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians make more team changes rather than having eight out of 11 players being automatic picks. It sure keeps the captain on his toes about his selection strategy.

Many might feel this complicates the game further, especially in a format where most people flock to just see a shower of "DLF maximums" and a few "Citi moments of success". Maybe this idea can be modified to make it simpler, or we could just stick with a foreign player cap. However, if we are really interested in developing fringe local players, making them competitive for international cricket, it is surely worth debating about this. After all, which cricket fan doesn't want to see the likes of Pankaj Singh, Harshal Patel and Umesh Yadav challenge the likes of Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn and Brett Lee for a place in a widely-followed match?