Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan, two young talents who recently made their Test debuts for India, were notable absentees from the latest BCCI central contracts announcement. While their exclusion might appear surprising, there’s a simple explanation.
Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan: Eligibility Criteria not met
The BCCI awards central contracts based on specific performance criteria. Both Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan, having played only two Tests each so far, haven’t met the minimum requirement of three Tests for automatic inclusion in Grade C contracts.
Opportunity Knocks in IND vs ENG Dharamshala Test:
However, there’s good news for the duo. If Jurel and Khan feature in the upcoming fifth Test against England at Dharamshala, they will be eligible for “pro-rata” contracts in Grade C.
Pro-Rata Contracts Explained:
These contracts are awarded to players who haven’t played the entire contract period. In this case, Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan would receive a portion of the Grade C contract amount based on the number of Tests they play in the series.
What did BCCI said about central contract
“Additionally, athletes who meet the criteria of playing a minimum of 3 Tests or 8 ODIs or 10 T20Is within the specified period will automatically be included in Grade C on a pro-rata basis,” BCCI said in a statement.
“For instance, Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan, having played 2 Test matches so far, will be inducted into Grade C if they participate in the Dharamsala Test Match, i.e., the 5th Test of the ongoing series against England,” BCCI added.
Impressive Performances by Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan
While missing out on the initial contract list, both Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan have displayed promising performances in their limited Test appearances.
Jurel bagged the Player of the Match award in the fourth Test with a crucial 90 runs and a match-winning partnership. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz impressed on debut with consecutive fifties before a quiet outing in Ranchi.
Looking Ahead:
The upcoming Dharamsala Test holds immense significance for Jurel and Khan. A strong showing could not only secure them “pro-rata” contracts but also solidify their positions in the Indian Test team for the future.
