The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken bold steps to tackle the issue of players biding their time, eagerly awaiting the commencement of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
In a move aimed at fostering discipline among players, the BCCI, in collaboration with national selectors, has enforced their involvement in state teams.
Delivered via email on Monday, this directive applies to players not currently part of the national squad or undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Effective immediately, players are compelled to join their respective state teams for the forthcoming round of Ranji Trophy matches kicking off on February 16.
This directive particularly affects players like Ishan Kishan, who have sidelined competitive cricket in favor of intensive IPL preparations, as per recent reports from CricAdvisor. For example, Ishan, currently training in Baroda, is slated to represent his home state Jharkhand against Rajasthan in Jamshedpur.
However, this ruling isn’t exclusive to Ishan alone. It extends its reach to other players such as Krunal Pandya and Deepak Chahar, who have remained inactive in Ranji Trophy matches, and even to individuals like Shreyas Iyer, omitted from the national team due to poor form.
According to a BCCI official familiar with the decision, “Players cannot merely prioritize international cricket or the IPL. They must commit themselves to domestic cricket and honor their obligations to their respective state teams.”
Ishan’s prolonged absence from competitive cricket has sparked concerns within Indian cricket circles. His choice to forego playing for Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy after being released from the Indian squad during the South Africa series has garnered criticism. Despite facing backlash, Ishan has stood firm in his decision to concentrate on IPL preparations.
For the latest updates and comprehensive coverage on this developing story, visit CricAdvisor – your ultimate cricket companion.
