The BCCI has promised a better-planned Future Tour Programme from the next cycle, with one clear objective: to manage players’ workloads better and reduce the risk of injuries.

The proposed measures sound sensible. The calendar is expected to be structured in a way that gives players more rest and recovery time between series, while also allowing them sufficient time to acclimatise to different conditions — particularly in SENA countries. Warm-up games before overseas series could also become part of the planning.

This was among the key issues discussed at a review meeting held at the BCCI headquarters, where the roadmap for Indian cricket during an important season was discussed. And it is not difficult to understand why workload has become such a talking point.

India’s schedule is certainly not getting any kinder. Between now and the next IPL, expected to begin in late March, India are scheduled to play seven Tests, 14 ODIs and 16 T20Is, apart from their commitments at the Asian Games. That is a considerable amount of cricket, and with injuries becoming an increasingly frequent occurrence, it is hardly surprising that workload management has become a priority.

The BCCI has therefore assured the team management and the captains that future scheduling will be planned better, allowing players adequate rest and recovery between assignments.

There was also some clarification on two issues that had been attracting considerable attention. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia sought to play down speculation surrounding former captain Rohit Sharma’s future. He also said that the future of chief selector Ajit Agarkar was not discussed at the meeting. According to Saikia, the discussions were focused primarily on the roadmap towards the 2027 World Cup.

But how much should we actually read into what Saikia said yesterday? Personally, I would say: not much.

The BCCI’s intention to better manage workloads is certainly welcome, and on paper, giving players more recovery time and allowing them to acclimatise properly makes perfect sense.

But Indian cricket has taught us one thing over the years: statements from BCCI officials can sometimes be rather detached from ground reality.

So, while the promises sound encouraging, I would prefer to wait and see how much of this actually translates into the way India’s calendar is planned. Because ultimately, it is not what is said at a review meeting that matters. It is what actually happens on the field.