The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent a strong message to Indian cricketers: prioritize domestic Ranji Trophy cricket before focusing on the Indian Premier League (IPL). This indirect warning comes amidst reports of certain players, possibly including Ishan Kishan, training for the IPL 2024 instead of participating in the Ranji Trophy.
Sources close to the BCCI reveal the board’s stance to TOI: “In the next few days, all the players will be communicated by the BCCI to play for their state team in the Ranji Trophy, as long as they are not on national duty, with only those who are unfit and recovering at the NCA being granted an exemption.”
This directive applies to “established India players” as well, emphasizing that no one is exempt from contributing to the domestic circuit.
Ishan Kishan targeting “IPL Mode”?
While no names were explicitly mentioned, the timing of the warning and references to players being in “IPL mode” from January seem to point towards Ishan Kishan’s current absence from the Ranji Trophy.
Ishan Kishan, who is currently training in Baroda with Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya and his brother Krunal Pandya, has sparked debate about prioritizing lucrative T20 leagues over domestic commitments.
Unhappy BCCI
The BCCI’s displeasure with this trend is evident. Their message is clear: national duty and representing your state in the Ranji Trophy take precedence over early preparation for the IPL. This directive ensures players remain match-fit and focused on domestic cricket before turning their attention to the glitz of the IPL.
What lies ahead?
It remains to be seen how players, particularly those eyeing IPL 2024, respond to this mandate. Will they heed the BCCI’s call and participate in the Ranji Trophy, or will there be further friction between players and the board?
But one thing is certain: the BCCI is determined to uphold the importance of domestic cricket and ensure players prioritize it before lucrative T20 leagues.
