For expressing his frustrations over the state of affairs in India's premier domestic competition, Ranji Trophy, recently-retired Bengal batter Manoj Tiwary was slapped with a fine of 20% on his match fees. Tiwary himself made the revelation, a day after his retirement. On February 10, Manoj Tiwary took to X (formerly Twitter) and vented his frustration with Ranji Trophy and even opined that the tournament should be scrapped from the next season.
"Ranji trophy should be scrapped off from the calendar from the next season onwards. So many things going wrong in the tournament. So many things need to be looked into to save this prestigious tournament which has a rich history. It’s losing its charm and importance. Absolutely frustrated," Tiwary wrote on X.
Manoj Tiwary drops another bombshell
Manoj Tiwary sharply criticised modern Indian cricketers and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their lack of emphasis on domestic cricket. Tiwary claimed responsibility for the BCCI's decision to require players to participate in a certain number of Ranji Trophy games to qualify for inclusion in the auction pool for the Indian Premier League (IPL).
"In hindsight, I feel that the directive issued by the BCCI might not have been given had I not posted it on X. Perhaps my post prompted the BCCI secretary to put the players under pressure now.
"The seriousness they have shown by taking this step in the crucial stage of the Ranji Trophy indicates their concern that many players, especially high-profile ones who have succeeded in the IPL with limited first-class cricket, are not giving enough importance to the Ranji Trophy," Tiwary was quoted as saying by PTI.
Tiwary raised concerns about the cricket board's management but mentioned he does not wish to 'enter into a conflict'. His main aim is to ensure that the Ranji Trophy retains its significance.
"I could have spoken up earlier, but it seems that the BCCI is no longer governed by sportspersons; it's now run by politicians. I am associated with a political party, but I am also a sportsperson.
"I don't want to engage in a fight; I simply want the Ranji Trophy to be prioritised, as it is slowly losing its importance," the 38-year-old said.
Manoj Tiwary announces retirement
Manoj Tiwary announced his retirement from first-class cricket with a final appearance against Bihar at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens in Ranji Trophy 2024. Since beginning his first-class career in 2006, Tiwary quickly rose to prominence, earning a spot on the Indian national team by 2008. Although his time on the international stage was relatively short, with 12 ODIs and 3 T20Is, his last being against Zimbabwe in 2015,
Tiwary's impact on domestic cricket remained significant. This season, he celebrated the significant achievement of accumulating over 10,000 first-class runs, marked by 30 centuries and 45 half-centuries, showcasing his enduring talent and consistency.
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