BCCI secretary Jay Shah recently addressed the issue of centrally-contracted India players skipping domestic cricket, emphasizing the importance of their participation in order to be considered for the national team. In a letter directed to players such as Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, and Deepak Chahar, Shah highlighted the role of domestic cricket as the foundation of Indian cricket and stressed that it plays a crucial part in the selection process for the national team.
While acknowledging the success and popularity of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shah made it clear that domestic cricket holds significant value in determining a player’s readiness for international competition. He stated that players aspiring to represent India must first prove themselves in domestic tournaments, as performance in these competitions is a key factor in team selection.
The letter specifically addressed Ishan Kishan, who despite having a Grade B BCCI contract, has been absent from the national squad. Kishan’s last appearance for India was in a T20I match against Australia in Guwahati. Since then, he has faced challenges in securing a regular spot in the playing eleven. Although he was part of the T20I squad for the South Africa tour, he did not feature in any of the three games. Additionally, Kishan also missed the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
Shreyas Iyer, who holds a Grade C contract, was dropped from the Indian squad for the last three Tests against England. This decision came after Iyer managed to score only 35 runs in the first two Tests, leading to his omission. The BCCI secretary’s letter serves as a reminder to Iyer and other players that their performance in domestic cricket is essential for maintaining their place in the national team.
Deepak Chahar, who was not included in the recent BCCI contract renewals, has faced challenges due to personal reasons. He had to withdraw from the final T20I against Australia and subsequently missed the tour of South Africa when his father suffered a stroke. It is currently unclear whether Chahar will be available for selection in the upcoming matches.
Shah’s letter serves as a warning to all centrally-contracted players that skipping domestic cricket can have severe implications on their national team prospects. It reiterates the board’s clear vision that players must demonstrate their skills and form in domestic tournaments before being considered for international matches. The BCCI secretary’s emphasis on the importance of domestic cricket aligns with the belief that it is the stepping stone for players to showcase their talent and earn a place in the national team.
As the BCCI continues to prioritize the development and growth of Indian cricket, it is crucial for players to recognize the significance of domestic cricket in their career progression. By actively participating in domestic tournaments, players not only enhance their skills but also demonstrate their commitment and dedication towards representing the country at the highest level.
In conclusion, Jay Shah’s warning to players who skip domestic cricket sends a clear message that their non-participation can have serious consequences on their chances of being selected for the national team. The letter serves as a reminder that domestic cricket remains the foundation of Indian cricket and that players must excel in these tournaments to prove their readiness for international competition.