BCCI Secretary Jay Shah’s letter emphasized the possible “serious consequences” of neglecting national responsibilities. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have been omitted from the BCCI’s annual retainers due to their recent absence from national responsibilities.
Kishan, who took personal leave during the South Africa tour, returned to action this week at the DY Patil T20 tournament. On the other hand, Iyer, despite being declared fit by the NCA before the ongoing Test series, has been absent from both national and domestic duties.
The BCCI’s decision follows a stern letter from Secretary Jay Shah, urging players to prioritize national commitments over the IPL and domestic tournaments. The letter underscored the potential “severe implications” of neglecting national duties.
Notably, the BCCI’s contract announcement concluded with a significant recommendation for all athletes to prioritize domestic cricket during breaks from national team duties.
During a press conference after the Ranchi Test, India’s captain Rohit Sharma highlighted the importance of Test cricket, stating that players showing “hunger” for the format would be prioritized in selection. Sharma recognized the challenging nature of Test cricket and emphasized the need for players to display the necessary desire.
Regarding Kishan’s exclusion from the Test squad against England, head coach Rahul Dravid clarified that Kishan had not made himself available and would have to participate in domestic cricket to be considered for a comeback.
Iyer and Kishan urgently need a major improvement
Insiders indicate that selectors, tasked with contract recommendations, are dissatisfied with Kishan training with IPL teammate Hardik Pandya in Baroda during his break and Iyer participating in Kolkata Knight Riders’ pre-season camp while skipping a Mumbai match.
Although Iyer is now available for Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy semi-final, selectors view these actions as worrisome, suggesting a necessity for players to prioritize national and domestic commitments over other engagements.
“The selectors don’t doubt their ability. But if the NCA is saying you are fit, and you are not making yourself available for the Test series, how can the BCCI offer you a contract? After the IPL, if they happen to get selected and fulfil the criteria of the number of matches required for a pro rata contract, they will be awarded a contract,” a BCCI official said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
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