The BCCI have hit back at Gary Kirsten's claims that fatigue played a major role in India's early exit from the ICC World T20.

The holders were knocked out in the Super Eights following defeats to West Indies and hosts England, prompting the national coach Kirsten to suggest his players were tired and lacked intensity due to a hectic and demanding Indian Premier League.

SX4 Super Selector

But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajiv Shukla insisted on Tuesday that players were not forced to turn out for tournaments against their will and could have asked to rest at any point.

"The BCCI has made it very clear that players who are tired and fatigued can always inform the board or the selectors and the board would look into it," he said.

"We have no problems with resting players if they want the rest. We are not forcing any player to participate in any tournament or series."

Samsung LED TV CKT Widget

Shukla also pointed out players were well aware of the international schedule in advance.

"Having known the calendar, I don't think players do not make up their minds about whether they would participate in tournaments," he said.

"They are professionals and are capable of deciding which tournaments they want or don't want to play in.

"Should they miss a tournament due to injury or due to fatigue they can always return to the team once they recover."

Watch the highlights of the ICC World T20 matches

Our current debate: India need to take a fresh look at their bowling attack after the ICC World Twenty20 debacle. What are your thoughts? Write in to us at:fanspeak@espnstar.co.in