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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on February 28 dropped Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from their list of annual centrally contracted players. The move is in retaliation to Kishan and Iyer not playing in Ranji Trophy 2023-24 and prioritising Indian Premier League (IPL). Former India head coach Ravi Shastri wants India's star duo to take the snub as a motivation to make an emphatic comeback.
“In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you'll conquer once again,” Shastri wrote on X.
Iyer was in Grade B whereas Kishan was in Grace C in the previous season’s list of centrally contracted players. After getting dropped from the list, Iyer and Kishan missed out on Rs 3 crore and Rs 1 crore respectively.
BCCI’s clear statement
“Please note that Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were not considered for the annual contracts in this round of recommendations,” BCCI said in a statement.
“The BCCI has recommended that all athletes give precedence to participating in domestic cricket during periods when they are not representing the national team,” it added.
Shastri welcomes BCCI’s latest move
Shastri also lauded the BCCI and secretary Jay Shah for 'fast bowling' contracts. Akash Deep, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal and Vidwath Kaverappa have been recommended by the selection committee for fast-bowling contracts.
The 60-year-old wrote: “Big applause to @BCCI and @JayShah for the game-changing move with 'fast bowling' contracts. A crucial step in gearing up for Down Under later this year. The emphasis on Test Cricket and Domestic Cricket is a powerful message, setting the right tone for the future of our beloved sport!”
Deep’s impressive debut
Deep recently made a successful Test debut in the ongoing five-Test series against England. Replacing a rested Jasprit Bumrah, he picked up three crucial wickets with the new ball to push England on the back foot in the Ranchi Test.
Earlier, he replaced Avesh Khan in the Test squad. He was impressive against England Lions with 13 wickets from three games including a couple of four-fers.
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Big Breaking: BCCI announces annual central contracts; no Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer on the list
