In a significant move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an ultimatum to players, including Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, to prioritize participation in the upcoming leg of Ranji Trophy matches for their respective state teams. This decision, aimed at ensuring the primacy of domestic cricket commitments, comes as a setback for players who have chosen to focus on other formats such as the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The BCCI, in conjunction with national selectors, has made it mandatory for players not included in the India squad for the England series to represent their state teams in the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches, starting from February 16. This directive follows instances of players like Ishan Kishan opting out of Ranji Trophy matches to prepare for the IPL.
Ishan Kishan, who withdrew from the South Africa tour citing mental health issues and subsequently skipped the T20I series against Afghanistan, finds himself directly affected by this mandate. Despite not being selected for the Test series against England, India’s head coach Rahul Dravid emphasized the importance of Kishan playing some domestic cricket before considering a return to the national squad. However, Kishan chose to train with the Pandya brothers in Baroda instead of representing Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy.
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The BCCI’s directive extends beyond Ishan Kishan to players like Krunal Pandya, Deepak Chahar, and Shreyas Iyer, who are not part of India’s Test cricket plans. Even Shreyas Iyer, dropped from the final three Tests against England, is expected to comply with the mandate and join his state team for Ranji matches. The move underscores the BCCI’s emphasis on players’ commitment to domestic cricket.
Emphasizing the importance of domestic cricket, a BCCI source stated, “Players cannot simply prioritize international cricket or the IPL. They must make themselves available for domestic cricket and honor their commitments to their respective state teams.” This stance reflects a broader objective of nurturing talent and preserving the sanctity of domestic cricket in India.
While the mandate applies to most players, exceptions are made for individuals like Hardik Pandya, who is awaiting clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA), and Virat Kohli, who is unavailable due to personal reasons. These players are exempt from the requirement to participate in Ranji Trophy matches.
The BCCI’s ultimatum to prioritize Ranji Trophy over IPL preparations marks a significant shift in player management and development strategies. While acknowledging the allure of lucrative franchise leagues like the IPL, the mandate underscores the importance of domestic cricket in grooming players for international success. For Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, and others, the decision presents a test of commitment and a reminder of the foundational role played by Ranji Trophy cricket in Indian cricket’s ecosystem.