The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to take a decisive step against players skipping domestic matches to prepare for the Indian Premier League (IPL). There is a growing concern over players prioritizing franchise cricket over domestic cricket in India.
According to some reports, the board is deliberating on potential reforms to ensure a balanced approach to player development. It is likely to make it mandatory for the players to play at least a few domestic matches. This has brought the likes of Ishan Kishan, and Hardik Pandya to the focus as they have been missing the Ranji Trophy matches. However, a BCCI official expressed that it is understood that Hardik, isn’t fit for red-ball matches. The official emphasized the need to preserve Pandya’s fitness with the T20 World Cup set to take place later this year.
“We can understand Hardik Pandya’s case his body can’t take the rigours of red-ball cricket He can’t withstand the workload of Test cricket and Team India needs him fit for ICC events,” said a BCCI official as quoted by Times of India.
“Some of the other youngsters, whenever you call them, they will cite that they are currently doing physio work. There needs to be a stop somewhere,” said the official to PTI.
BCCI directs Ishan Kishan to play Ranji Trophy – Reports
The BCCI has reportedly asked Ishan Kishan to play in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023-24 for his state team, Jharkhand agains Rajasthan. Kishan took a break from the sport earlier this year, and hasn’t played any competitive cricket since then. He is training with his Indian Premier League, Mumbai Indians in Baroda along with the Pandya brothers.
“The decision-makers in BCCI are well aware that some players don’t want to play any red-ball cricket,” said an official.
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