Former India opener Aakash Chopra is relieved that BCCI has finally solidified its stance on domestic cricket. His remarks come days after BCCI secretary Jay Shah wrote a warning letter to all players. The letter warned of severe implications if they skipped domestic cricket.
Chopra hails BCCI’s domestic cricket stance
In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra reiterates the need to play domestic cricket to earn the India cap. He points out that all players must feature in domestic cricket if they aren’t playing international fixtures or aren’t injured. Chopra hails BCCI’s stance despite being late. He notes that there was a notion previously that players were selected across formats based on their performance in the IPL.
As per Indian Express, Shah flags the trend of players prioritizing IPL over domestic cricket as a cause for concern. He admits that the trend isn’t anticipated. Shah asserts that domestic cricket is the foundation of Indian cricketer.
“There is a recent trend that has started to emerge and is a cause for concern. Some players have begun prioritising the IPL over domestic cricket, a shift that was not anticipated. Domestic cricket has always been the foundation upon which Indian cricket stands, and it has never been undervalued in our vision for the sport,” Shah writes.
“Our vision for Indian cricket has been clear from the outset – every cricketer aspiring to play for India must prove themselves in domestic cricket. Performance in domestic cricket remains a critical yardstick for selection and non-participation in domestic cricket will carry severe implications,” he writes.