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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled its annual central contracts list, sparking considerable discussion in the cricket community, particularly regarding the exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from the roster. This decision has generated widespread attention, signaling significant implications for the players' careers. However, a pathway has emerged for both players to regain their central contracts post the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, should they adhere to BCCI's expectations.
BCCI announce annual central contracts for players
The BCCI's latest central contract announcement was beneficial for young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma, highlighting the board's focus on nurturing the future of Indian cricket. On the other hand, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer found themselves sidelined from the central contracts due to their decisions to prepare for the upcoming IPL season instead of participating in domestic cricket, including the Ranji Trophy. Iyer was previously categorized under Grade B, while Kishan was listed in Grade C. Their absence from the new contract list has been a topic of much debate.
There is a way out for Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer
According to reports from ESPNcricinfo, the selectors took note of Ishan Kishan's decision to train with Mumbai Indians' captain Hardik Pandya, opting out of the Test team and skipping the Ranji Trophy. Similarly, Shreyas Iyer, despite being fit, distanced himself from both the Test team and Mumbai's Ranji Trophy matches. However, Iyer is now prepared to play for Mumbai in the upcoming Ranji Trophy semifinal, signaling a potential shift in priorities.
"The selectors don't doubt their ability," ESPNcricinfo quoted a BCCI official as saying.
"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," the official added.
This scenario underscores the BCCI's stance on participation in domestic cricket as a criterion for central contracts. Kishan and Iyer's decision to prioritise IPL preparations over domestic engagements led to their exclusion, emphasising the importance BCCI places on domestic cricket as a foundation for international selection and contractual considerations.
The situation presents an opportunity for both players to reassess their commitments and possibly return to the central contract fold by aligning with the BCCI's expectations.
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