The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a strict policy mandating all centrally contracted players to participate in domestic cricket when fit and not on national duty. This move comes after the exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from the central contracts list due to their absence from domestic games.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for player fitness and selection. He stated that the harsh action taken against Iyer and Kishan has prompted them to participate in the upcoming Duleep Trophy. Shah also highlighted the case of Ravindra Jadeja, who was asked to play a domestic game after recovering from injury.
However, the BCCI has exempted top players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah from domestic cricket as part of workload management. Shah explained that these players are at risk of injury if they are overburdened with domestic matches.
The BCCI’s decision has sparked debate among cricket fans and experts. Some argue that it is essential for players to maintain their form and fitness through domestic cricket, while others believe that top players should be rested to avoid burnout.
The policy change is a significant step by the BCCI to ensure that players are match-ready and available for national selection. It also highlights the importance of domestic cricket as a pathway to the Indian team.
