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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a crucial policy change, making it mandatory for all players to actively participate in domestic matches to remain eligible for selection to the national team and receive central contracts. BCCI came out with this bold move to strengthen the connection between players and the domestic cricket system, fostering several key objectives.
As per the BCCI BCCI policy document, accessed by Sports Tak, this policy ensures that players remain actively involved in domestic cricket, contributing to the development of young talent. By playing alongside established players in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, senior cricketers can inspire and mentor aspiring players, creating a valuable learning environment and ensuring the continuity of talent within the Indian cricket ecosystem. Secondly, consistent participation in domestic cricket helps players maintain optimal match fitness and sharpness, which is crucial for performing at the highest level of international cricket. Exceptions to this mandatory participation rule will be granted only in extraordinary circumstances, requiring formal approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee. This stringent approach aims to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process and maintain a consistent standard of commitment from all players.
Here's what the BCCI's new guidelines on domestic cricket say:
"Participation in domestic Matches is mandatory for players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts, as per BCCI guidelines. This policy ensures that players remain connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure. It also inspires emerging players by providing them opportunities to compete alongside top cricketers, ensuring continuity in talent progression. Any exceptions to this mandate will be considered only under extraordinary circumstances and will require formal notification and approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee, ensuring fairness and transparency in the process".
The BCCI's emphasis on domestic cricket follows a period of intense scrutiny following India's recent series losses to New Zealand and Australia. Critics have strongly advocated for senior players, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, to participate in the Ranji Trophy to rediscover their red-ball form. These calls intensified after India's defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where both batters struggled to consistently perform. It went down to an extend Rohit Sharma had to opt out of the final Test match in Sydney. Indian ended up losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years.
However, Rohit Sharma has been observed attending Mumbai's practice sessions in preparation for the Ranji Trophy clash on January 23, hinting at a potential return to domestic cricket. However, Virat Kohli has yet to publicly announce any plans to rejoin the Delhi squad. Notably, both Kohli and Rishabh Pant were named as probables in Delhi's Ranji Trophy squad.
Several other prominent players Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill, have confirmed their participation in upcoming domestic fixtures.
India are currently gearing up for the white-ball series against England followed by the all-important Champions Trophy 2025. India will be played a five-match T20I and three-match ODI series against England before heading for the Champions Trophy which is set to start from February 19.
