BCCI Urges Centrally-Contracted Players to Prioritize Domestic Cricket over IPL

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has sent a stern message to centrally-contracted India players, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing domestic cricket over the Indian Premier League (IPL) and warning of “severe implications” for those who neglect their domestic commitments.

In a letter addressed to the players, Shah expressed concern over a growing trend of players prioritizing the IPL over domestic cricket, stating that such a shift was unexpected and raised significant concerns. He underscored the pivotal role of domestic cricket in nurturing talent and serving as the feeder line to the national team.

Shah reiterated the BCCI’s vision for Indian cricket, emphasizing that every player aspiring to represent India must first prove themselves in domestic competitions. He emphasized that performance in domestic tournaments remains a crucial criterion for national team selection, and failure to participate in domestic cricket would have serious consequences.

While acknowledging the success of the IPL, Shah emphasized that domestic cricket forms the foundation of Indian cricket and must not be undervalued. He called on players to uphold the essence of domestic cricket and work collectively to elevate Indian cricket to new heights.

The letter brings attention to players like Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, and Deepak Chahar, who have been absent from India squads recently. Kishan, who last played for India in November, has not participated in the ongoing Test series against England and has opted out of Ranji Trophy matches. Similarly, Iyer and Chahar have faced setbacks and have not been actively involved in domestic cricket despite their aspirations for national team selection.

Shah’s letter serves as a reminder of the values that have shaped Indian cricket and calls for a collective effort to uphold the significance of domestic cricket. As custodians of the game, players are urged to prioritize their domestic commitments and contribute to the growth and success of Indian cricket.