BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has issued a stern warning to centrally-contracted Indian players, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing domestic cricket over the Indian Premier League (IPL) for national team selection. Shah expressed the Board’s satisfaction with the IPL’s success but highlighted concerns over players favoring the IPL over domestic commitments, which he termed as an unforeseen shift.
In a letter addressed to players, Shah underscored the foundational role of domestic cricket in Indian cricket’s structure, stating that participation in domestic tournaments is a prerequisite for selection to the national team. He emphasized that the BCCI’s vision has always emphasized the significance of proving oneself in domestic cricket, considering it the backbone of Indian cricket.
The letter specifically targets players like Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, and Deepak Chahar, who have been absent from India’s squads for various reasons. Despite possessing BCCI contracts, their absence from domestic cricket has raised concerns about their commitment to the foundational level of the sport.
Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, and Deepak Chahar’s recent absence from India’s squads, coupled with their limited participation in domestic tournaments, has drawn attention to their readiness and availability for national team selection. While Ishan Kishan’s last appearance for India was in a T20I against Australia, Shreyas Iyer faced exclusion from the Test squad after lackluster performances against England. Deepak Chahar’s absence due to family reasons has left his availability for selection uncertain.
Shah’s letter serves as a reminder to players that prioritizing the IPL over domestic cricket could have severe consequences on their national team aspirations. It reinforces the BCCI’s stance on the importance of grassroots-level cricket and the role it plays in shaping the future of Indian cricket. As the debate over player priorities continues, the letter underscores the need for a balanced approach that honors both domestic and international commitments to sustain India’s cricketing excellence.
