In a surprising move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has left out Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the central contract list, sparking a wave of reactions from the cricketing world. Both players, considered to be in their prime and excelling in all formats, faced the consequences of prioritizing the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) over domestic cricket.
Aakash Chopra Analyzes BCCI’s Stand
Aakash Chopra, the former Indian opening batter, dissected the situation on his YouTube channel. Chopra emphasized that the BCCI has sent a clear message about the importance of playing domestic cricket. He speculated that Iyer’s exclusion, despite an impressive World Cup performance, suggests a disciplinary action, echoing a similar sentiment for Ishan Kishan, who took a break from first-class cricket.
Irfan Pathan’s Take on Equal Treatment
Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed hope for Iyer and Kishan’s comeback but raised a crucial question about equal treatment. He questioned whether players like Hardik, who avoid red-ball cricket, should participate in white-ball domestic cricket. Pathan emphasized the need for consistency in applying guidelines for all players.
Kirti Azad Supports BCCI’s Move
Former cricketer Kirti Azad supported BCCI’s decision, asserting that playing domestic cricket, especially Ranji Trophy, is vital for players’ development. Azad highlighted the importance of returning to one’s roots and contributing to the state associations that nurtured players in their early careers.
Ravi Shastri Believes in Comebacks
Former head coach Ravi Shastri, under whom Iyer and Kishan rose to prominence, offered words of support amid public criticism. Shastri encouraged the players to view this setback as an opportunity for a comeback, emphasizing the resilience required in the game of cricket.
Sourav Ganguly Expresses Surprise
Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly, who closely witnessed Iyer’s journey, expressed surprise at Iyer’s decision to skip Ranji Trophy. Ganguly emphasized the importance of contracted players participating in premier tournaments, questioning Iyer’s choice despite his significant contract in the IPL.
Cricket Fraternity Divided
The exclusion of Iyer and Kishan from central contracts has ignited a debate within the cricketing fraternity. While some support BCCI’s strict stance, others question the consistency in enforcing guidelines. The controversy raises broader discussions about the balance between franchise cricket and national duties in a player’s career.
In a sport that thrives on comebacks, the onus is now on Iyer and Kishan to prove their mettle and reclaim their spots in the national squad. The BCCI’s decision serves as a stern reminder to all players about the significance of honoring commitments to domestic cricket, even in the era of lucrative T20 leagues.
You can also check out Ganguly Urges Focus on First-Class Cricket.
Sports Beats India is a website that covers all the latest sports news from India. We provide comprehensive coverage of all the major sports including cricket, football, hockey, tennis and more. We also have a dedicated team of writers who provide expert analysis and opinion on all the major sporting events taking place in India.
