IPL vs Country Debate Reignites as Former India Bowler Raises Concerns

IPL vs Country Debate Reignites as Former India Bowler Raises Concerns

The debate over club versus country has resurfaced in Indian cricket, with former swing bowler Praveen Kumar expressing his concerns about players prioritizing the Indian Premier League (IPL) over international and domestic cricket.

Kumar believes that players should prioritize playing for India and their state teams over the IPL. He cited the recent controversy involving Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who were excluded from the BCCI’s latest list of contracts for failing to make themselves available for the Ranji Trophy.

“Players need to set their priorities right,” Kumar said. “Earning money is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of playing for the country or domestic cricket.”

Kumar acknowledged the benefits of the IPL, which has provided a platform for young players to develop and share the field with experienced players from around the world. However, he emphasized that players should strike a balance between franchise cricket and national and domestic commitments.

“Money is important, but this (giving franchise cricket the priority) is wrong,” Kumar said.

Kumar also praised the current Indian pace attack, particularly Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mukesh Kumar. He believes that these bowlers have the potential to excel at the international level.

Regarding Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, Kumar expressed confidence in his leadership abilities. He believes that Sharma’s experience and maturity will guide the Indian team effectively.

“Rohit is a fantastic skipper,” Kumar said. “He knows his role well and leads the side really well.”

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

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

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.

Shreyas Iyer's Central Contract Omission Sparks Controversy

Shreyas Iyer’s Central Contract Omission Sparks Controversy

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.

Ganguly: IPL Career Can Coexist with First-Class Cricket

Ganguly: IPL Career Can Coexist with First-Class Cricket

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.

BCCI's Dropping of Iyer and Kishan Sparks Debate

BCCI’s Dropping of Iyer and Kishan Sparks Debate

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.

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