The BCCI’s strong-arm tactic of terminating Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer’s central contracts over skipping the Ranji Trophy has polarized opinions. While BCCI mandates domestic cricket participation for contracted players, were commercial pull factors in play driving the young duo’s stance?
“I think the BCCI wants them to play first class cricket. I am surprised why Shreyas Iyer has not played Ranji Trophy. It is a premier tournament and you are supposed to play. So, it is a decision by the BCCI and what they have thought right they have done. Every contracted cricketer must play first class cricket because that is the basic premise of cricket in this country,” Ganguly told RevSportz.
For 24-year-old batting ace Ishan Kishan, the lure of honing T20 skills alongside mentor Hardik Pandya in preparation for a blockbuster IPL season may have overridden red-ball priorities. With a record ₹15.25 crore Mumbai Indians contract under his belt, his format focus is undoubtedly on fast-paced run gluttony ahead of Tests.
Delhi Capitals’ recruit Iyer potentially felt similar pulls. After mysteriously withdrawing from Ranji games citing injury despite medical clearance, his return for the semis smacks of ticking minimal eligibility boxes. Securing his $2 million IPL payday understandably took precedence.
Such casual indifference is naturally baffling for purists like Sourav Ganguly, who champion domestic cricket as the heart of India’s system. “When you represent India across formats, prioritizing Ranji is a must. I was surprised by Ishan’s stance,” he asserted.
But with market dynamics favoring T20 specialists, should India consider format-based central contracts? Or enforce stricter compliance for participation in the Ranji Trophy – still a proving ground for the finest to graduate into national glory?
There are no easy answers. But insipid communication from Kishan and Iyer did their already flaky cases no favors. Their actions got them axed this time. What fate confronts other young guns, putting IPL before domestic duty? The BCCI’s line in the sand promises further fireworks ahead.
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“You are supposed to play first class cricket. Once you are a contracted player, you are expected to play the Premier tournament. Shreyas Iyer is playing the semi-final for Mumbai in a couple of days’ time. Yes, they are young people and Ishan has surprised me,” he added.
“He was part of the Indian team in all formats. Such a big contract in IPL. I don’t know why he has done that. You must play especially when you are as gifted as Ishan Kishan. When you are playing for India in all formats, you must play. I was surprised by his decision not to.”
