BCCI Archives

BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Mandate: A Lifeline for Ranji Trophy

By Nilay March 3, 2024 0

BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Mandate: A Step Towards Preserving Tradition

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has lauded the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to mandate players to participate in domestic cricket. This move aims to safeguard the integrity and competitiveness of tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, which have been overshadowed by the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL).

Tiwary, who recently retired from cricket, believes that the BCCI’s mandate is crucial for the survival of domestic cricket. He has observed a shift in players’ priorities, with many prioritizing IPL contracts over domestic performances.

“Youngsters and established players speak only about IPL during domestic matches,” Tiwary said. “When you get 5 cr or 7 cr, players start thinking in their subconsciousness.”

This mindset has led to players faking injuries to avoid exerting themselves in domestic matches, Tiwary revealed. “They try to avoid the last bit of effort required to dive and save a boundary that might have been crucial for the domestic team,” he said.

The BCCI’s mandate has been met with mixed reactions. While some former cricketers and experts have praised the move, others have called for it to be applied equally to all players.

Despite the criticism, the BCCI’s decision is a step in the right direction. It sends a clear message that domestic cricket remains a vital part of the Indian cricket ecosystem. By ensuring that players are available for their respective teams, the BCCI is safeguarding the integrity and competitiveness of these tournaments.

In addition to preserving tradition, the BCCI’s mandate also serves a practical purpose. It provides players with an opportunity to maintain their fitness and form during the off-season. By participating in domestic cricket, players can stay sharp and ready for international duty.

The BCCI’s decision is a bold one, but it is necessary to ensure the long-term health of Indian cricket. By prioritizing domestic cricket, the BCCI is investing in the future of the game and ensuring that the Ranji Trophy and other tournaments continue to produce world-class players.

Categories: Cricket

Ganguly Explains Decision to Replace Kohli with Rohit as India Captain

By Nilay March 3, 2024 0

Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has shed light on his decision to appoint Rohit Sharma as the captain of the Indian men’s cricket team, replacing Virat Kohli. Ganguly, who was the BCCI chief at the time, revealed that he saw immense potential in Rohit, particularly considering his impressive record in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Ganguly praised Rohit’s leadership skills, highlighting his ability to guide India to the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup on home soil. Despite losing to Australia in the final, Ganguly believes India was the strongest team in the tournament. He expressed his admiration for Rohit’s calm and composed demeanor during the high-pressure event.

“I am not surprised by the way he led,” Ganguly said. “He became the captain when I was the BCCI president, and I am not surprised by the way he has led the team. I made him the Indian captain because I saw the talent in him, and I am not surprised by what he has done.”

Rohit’s recent achievements include leading India to a 17th consecutive Test series win on home soil. After losing the opening match against England in Hyderabad, India has bounced back to take a 3-1 lead in the series.

Meanwhile, Rohit has relinquished his captaincy at Mumbai Indians to Hardik Pandya. Hardik, who led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022, will now take charge of the five-time champions.

Categories: Cricket

Shreyas Iyer Fails to Impress in Ranji Trophy Semifinal as Tamil Nadu Fights Back

By Nilay March 3, 2024 0

Shreyas Iyer Disappoints in Ranji Trophy Semifinal as Tamil Nadu Fights Back

Out-of-favor India batter Shreyas Iyer’s return to domestic cricket proved underwhelming as he failed to make an impact in the Ranji Trophy semifinal match between Mumbai and Tamil Nadu. Representing Mumbai, Iyer was dismissed for a mere 3 runs by Tamil Nadu pacer Sandeep Warrier in the first innings.

Mumbai, led by Ajinkya Rahane, had a promising start, with Rahane and Musheer Khan putting on a 43-run partnership. However, Iyer’s dismissal, followed by the fall of Rahane, left Mumbai reeling at 96/5.

Tamil Nadu skipper B Sai Kishore led the charge with the ball, claiming five wickets for 31 runs in 20 overs. Mumbai struggled at 125/7 at lunch on the second day, but managed to reduce the first-innings deficit to just 21 runs by the end of the first session.

Iyer’s poor performance was a disappointment, as he had hoped to impress on his return to domestic cricket after failing to secure a BCCI central contract. Unfortunately, he failed to deliver in the first innings.

Tamil Nadu’s remarkable comeback put Mumbai under pressure after a dismal opening day, where they were bowled out for just 146. The visitors’ resurgence was led by Sai Kishore’s five-wicket haul and a disciplined bowling performance.

Categories: Cricket

Shreyas Iyer’s Central Contract Omission Sparks Controversy

By Nilay March 3, 2024 0

Shreyas Iyer’s omission from the BCCI’s central contract list has sparked controversy, with many questioning the decision to exclude the talented batsman. Iyer’s recent performance in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, where he scored just 3 runs before being dismissed, has further fueled the debate.

Iyer’s absence from the central contract list has been attributed to his alleged prioritization of the Indian Premier League (IPL) over domestic red-ball cricket. Reports suggest that Iyer attended a pre-IPL camp with his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, while claiming to have a back injury that prevented him from playing in a Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai.

However, a report by The Indian Express revealed that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) provided a contradictory fitness report on Iyer, casting doubt on the validity of his injury claim. This has led to speculation that Iyer’s exclusion from the central contract list may have been influenced by his perceived lack of commitment to domestic cricket.

Iyer’s supporters argue that he has consistently performed well for India and Mumbai, and that his decision to attend the KKR camp was solely to improve his fitness. They point out that Iyer skipped the IPL to participate in the World Cup and played through pain during the tournament.

Furthermore, they argue that players should have the freedom to train under coaches of their choice and that Iyer’s decision to work with the KKR Academy should not be held against him. They also question why Iyer was not given a break after the World Cup and was asked to play in a Ranji game ahead of the Test series against England.

The BCCI’s decision to exclude Iyer from the central contract list has sent a strong message to young cricketers that they must prioritize domestic cricket over the IPL. However, it remains to be seen whether this decision will have the desired effect or if it will simply alienate talented players who feel they are not being treated fairly.

Categories: Cricket

Ganguly: IPL Career Can Coexist with First-Class Cricket

By Nilay March 3, 2024 0

IPL Career Can Coexist with First-Class Cricket, Says Sourav Ganguly

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has asserted that players can successfully balance Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments with first-class cricket. This statement comes amidst the controversy surrounding the BCCI’s decision not to offer central contracts to Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan due to their non-participation in domestic cricket.

Ganguly emphasized that numerous top players, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and David Warner, have effectively managed both red-ball and white-ball cricket. He recalled that during his playing days, he, Rahul Dravid, and Sachin Tendulkar also played both formats.

“They can play both red-ball and white-ball. IPL career can happen along with stint in first-class cricket. They don’t clash. First-class cricket finishes and then there’s almost a month before the IPL starts. I don’t see any problem,” Ganguly told Times of India.

Ganguly cited examples of players like Mitchell Marsh, Harry Brook, and David Warner who have excelled in both Test cricket and white-ball cricket. He questioned the notion that players cannot play both formats.

“A lot of the top-quality players play Test cricket and white-ball cricket. You look at Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. On the world stage, there’s Mitchell Marsh. He is Australia’s premier red-ball player now. Harry Brook plays red-ball cricket. David Warner played so much Test cricket but he was also one of the best white-ball players. Even in my days, Sachin, Rahul and myself played Test cricket and then played white-ball cricket. There’s no reason to say that you can play one and not the other.”

Ganguly also addressed concerns about the younger generation of players needing better guidance. He suggested that the BCCI should communicate with players like Ishan Kishan to understand their perspectives.

“For someone like Ishan Kishan, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, president Roger Binny and the selectors need to speak to him. All this while he has played Ranji and then played white-ball cricket. Has it made him a poorer player? It hasn’t,” Ganguly said.

Ganguly emphasized that most players selected for the Delhi Capitals have participated in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Ranji Trophy. He acknowledged that there may be a few exceptions who require guidance.

Categories: Cricket

BCCI’s Dropping of Iyer and Kishan Sparks Debate

By Nilay March 3, 2024 0

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to drop Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from its central contract list has sparked a global debate. While some have criticized the board for its harsh action, others have supported its stance.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has backed the BCCI, stating that such a move was necessary to punish the players for ignoring the board’s orders. Akmal believes that by dropping Kishan and Iyer, the BCCI has demonstrated its “good management.”

“If you don’t value the cricket because of which you made it to the national team, what message is it going to give to all the youngsters?” Akmal said on his YouTube channel. “BCCI has made the right call, taking such strict action early on to control the damage.”

Akmal added that the BCCI’s decision sends a clear message to players that they cannot play on their own terms. “Nobody is bigger than the game,” he said.

Kishan and Iyer were reportedly reluctant to play in national-level domestic tournaments, which is believed to be the reason for their exclusion. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, who is also a former BCCI president, has urged the board to speak to Kishan about his decision.

“All this while he has played Ranji and then played white-ball cricket. Has it made him a poorer player? It hasn’t,” Ganguly said. “All the players picked in Delhi Capitals have played Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Ranji Trophy.”

Ganguly’s comments suggest that the BCCI may be willing to reconsider its decision if Kishan and Iyer show a willingness to play in domestic tournaments. However, it remains to be seen whether the players will change their stance.

Categories: Cricket

Chahal’s Exclusion from BCCI Contracts Raises Eyebrows

By Nilay March 3, 2024 0

Indian cricket team spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and wrestler Sangeeta Phogat shared a light-hearted moment during the Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa wrap-up party on Friday, and the video of their banter has gone viral on social media. In the video, Phogat can be seen lifting Chahal on her back and spinning him before the cricketer requested her to stop as his head was seemingly spinning. Chahal’s wife Dhanashree Verma is among the five finalists in the dance reality show, and he earlier requested fans to vote for her.

Meanwhile, former India opener Aakash Chopra has expressed his surprise over the leg spinner being excluded from the central contracts of the BCCI. He added that Chahal’s ouster means the selection committee is looking at other options.

“I am a bit surprised that Yuzi Chahal’s name is not there. Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shikhar Dhawan – their names not being there, I can understand. Even Deepak Hooda for that matter. But Chahal’s name not being there – what does that signify? It seems to indicate that they (BCCI) are looking in a different direction. This is a validation of the theory. He might have had a ray of hope, but it wasn’t to be. His name is not there,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

The out-of-favour duo of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were excluded after ignoring the directive to play Ranji Trophy, while skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli expectedly retained their place in the top bracket as the BCCI unveiled its centrally-contracted players for this year.

The 25-year-old Kishan did not turn up for Jharkhand throughout the team’s campaign in Ranji Trophy despite not being on national duty since leaving from the tour of South Africa in December citing personal reasons. He has instead focused on preparing for the IPL next month.

Iyer, on the other hand, did not make himself available for Mumbai’s Ranji quarterfinal against Baroda after being excluded from the Indian team after the second Test against England. He, however, has been picked for the Ranji semifinals starting March 2.

Categories: Cricket

BCCI set to announce squad for West Indies Tour; Pujara to be dropped from Test team

By Sports Analyst June 15, 2023 0

After the embarrassing loss in the World Test Championship final, it is believed that the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) will be bringing major changes to the Test squad. As reported by Cricbuzz, only a couple of players are set to be rested or dropped, and importantly, Rohit Sharma is set to continue as India’s Test captain in the foreseeable future.

As per the report, four out of the top five batsmen retain their place in the batting lineup. Rohit, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane are certain to retain their places in the squad for the two Test matches in West Indies, but a question mark hangs over Cheteshwar Pujara, who is plagued with a drop in form.

Cheteshwar Pujara has been Team India’s wall in the red-ball format for over a decade. But lately, the right-hander has witnessed a dip in form. The Saurashtra-based batsman has scored only one century in 52 innings (28 Tests) since 2020 at a disappointing average of 29.69. While he has registered 11 half-centuries, his average further drops to 26.31 when his scores of 90 and 102* in the Chittagong Test in December 2022 are excluded.

Pujara’s shot selection and his strike rate have garnered a lot of criticism with many former cricketers believing the right-hander needs to call it a time from the Test format.

In addition, Mohammad Shami who has been in exceptional touch will be rested for the Test series. The veteran fast bowler may return for the ODIs that follow the two Tests in view of the World Cup later this year. Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik who have impressed everyone with their talent will likely be included in the 2 Test series.

KS Bharat, who showed exceptional skills behind the stumps will retain his position in the squad. Additionally, Ishan Kishan will also be included in the Test squad as a backup keeper.

Categories: Trending News

Ishan Kishan named KL Rahul’s replacement for WTC Final

By Sports Analyst May 9, 2023 0

Mumbai Indians opener Ishan Kishan has been named as the replacement for KL Rahul in next month’s World Test Championship against Australia at The Oval. Rahul, who recently got injured is set to undergo surgery followed by rehab in India.

Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary, BCCI stated, ” KL Rahul suffered an injury to his right upper thigh while fielding during Match 43rd of TATA IPL 2023 between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore on 1st May. After consultations with specialists, it has been decided that Rahul will undergo surgery at the earliest followed by rehab at the National Cricket Academy for the same.”

Ishan Kishan, who is still uncapped in Test cricket has played 14 ODIs and 27 T20Is so far. Kishan has played 48 first-class matches so far for 2985 runs at an average of 38.76 with six hundreds, and in the recent Ranji Trophy season he played just two games and scored 180 runs while averaging 45. He is the second wicketkeeper besides KS Bharat in Team India’s WTC squad.

In addition to KL Rahul, pace bowlers Umesh Yadav and Jaydev Unadkat are also under the scanner for injuries but find themselves still in the WTC squad for now.

“Jaydev Unadkat sustained a left shoulder injury by tripping over the side rope while bowling in the nets. A specialist consultation has been sought and the left-arm fast bowler is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru undergoing strength and rehab sessions for his shoulder. A decision on his participation in the WTC final will be taken at a later stage,” said the BCCI in a media release.

“Umesh Yadav sustained a minor left hamstring injury during Match 36 of TATA IPL 2023 between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on 26 April. The fast bowler is currently under the care of the KKR Medical Team and has started low-intensity bowling as part of his rehab process. The BCCI Medical Team is in regular touch with KKR Medical Team and is closely monitoring Umesh’s progress,” BCCI further added.

Additionally, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, and Suryakumar Yadav have been named as the standby players for the WTC final.

Revised Team India squad for WTC Final: Rohit Sharma (capt.), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Ishan Kishan (wk)

Standby Players: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav

Categories: Trending News

BCCI Central Contracts: Richa Ghosh, Jemimah get promoted; Shikha Pandey dropped

By Sports Analyst April 28, 2023 0

Team India’s young batting sensation Richa Ghosh has been rewarded for her tremendous performances in the recent past. The right-hander, along with Jemimah Rodrigues has been elevated to the B category in the BCCI central contract while the likes of Shikha Pandey and Poonam Yadav have been left out.

As per the central contracts, a player in the A category gets paid Rs 50 lakh over and above match fees, and Rs 30 lakh and Rs 10 lakh are allotted for the B and C category respectively. Only three players are contracted in the A category including current Team India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, flamboyant left-handed batter Smriti Mandhana and premier all-rounder Deepti Sharma.

There are many surprise inclusions and exclusions that will certainly raise many eyebrows. A total of seven new players, who weren’t contracted last year, have entered the contracts list including left-arm spinner Radha Yadav and left-hand batter Yastika Bhatia.

Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad, who was part of the elite Grade A list last year, has been moved down to Grade B while all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar slips from Grade B to Grade C. The likes of Harleen Deol (Grade C), Sneh Rana (Grade C), and Shafali Verma (Grade B) have maintained the status quo from last year.

Pacer Renuka Thakur, who did not have a contract last year, has been bracketed straight into the B category after a stellar season.

Meanwhile, wicket-keepers Taniya Bhatia and Arundhati Reddy are the other major exclusions from the contracts list.

Contracted Players

Grade A (INR 50 lakh): Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma

Grade B (INR 30 lakh): Renuka Singh Thakur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad

Grade C (INR 10 lakh):Meghna Singh, Devika Vaidya, Sabbineni Meghana, Anjali Sarvani, Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Harleen Deol, Yastika Bhatia

Categories: Trending News

BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Mandate: A Lifeline for Ranji Trophy

Ganguly Explains Decision to Replace Kohli with Rohit as India Captain

Shreyas Iyer Fails to Impress in Ranji Trophy Semifinal as Tamil Nadu Fights Back

Shreyas Iyer’s Central Contract Omission Sparks Controversy

Ganguly: IPL Career Can Coexist with First-Class Cricket

BCCI’s Dropping of Iyer and Kishan Sparks Debate

Chahal’s Exclusion from BCCI Contracts Raises Eyebrows

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