The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reiterated its policy requiring players to participate in domestic cricket when not on national duty. This infamous rule, which led to Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan losing their central contracts in February 2024, remains in place as per new reports.
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Why Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan lost contracts?
In late 2023, both Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were key figures for India across formats. However, they were not included in the 2023-24 Annual Player Contracts. This decision stemmed from their absence from domestic cricket during the Ranji Trophy season.
The BCCI had issued a directive earlier in 2024, mandating player participation in domestic tournaments when not involved in international cricket. While Shreyas Iyer, dropped from the Test side, was reportedly seen with the KKR camp, Ishan Kishan (representing Jharkhand) chose to skip the Ranji Trophy altogether, citing mental health concerns.
Although Iyer did rejoin Mumbai later, the BCCI had already made its decision.
Exceptions for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah
Despite the emphasis on domestic participation, the BCCI acknowledges the need for flexibility. While the rule applies to all players, exceptions are made for senior stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah. These players will have the discretion to participate in domestic tournaments as they see fit.
Test stars in Duleep Trophy
However, the BCCI encourages other Test specialists to feature in the upcoming Duleep Trophy (August 2024). This tournament serves as a crucial lead-up to the Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand later this year.
Participating in the Duleep Trophy could provide Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan with an opportunity to regain their spot in the Test squad, especially considering India’s busy Test schedule with 10 matches planned, including the prestigious five-match tour of Australia.
What did BCCI said?
“This time there is no zonal selection committee for Duleep Trophy. Only national selection committee will pick Duleep teams. All Test team contenders will be picked. For Rohit, Virat and Bumrah, it will be their choice if they want to play or not,” a senior BCCI source told PTI.
The BCCI will utilize the national selection committee to pick the Duleep Trophy teams, ensuring only Test contenders are included. This approach emphasizes the importance of domestic performances for players hoping to crack the Test squad.
While exceptions are made for senior players with demanding schedules, the emphasis remains on utilizing domestic cricket to identify and nurture future Test stars.
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