Cricket legend Madan Lal has thrown his weight behind BCCI’s decision to axe Iyer and Kishan from central contracts. Reports say the board was unhappy with the duo skipping domestic games despite NCA clearance, prioritizing IPL camps instead.
Lal applauded the move, calling first-class cricket mandatory for those putting IPL above state matches. “No one is bigger than the game. BCCI is right to insist on the Ranji Trophy,” he said.
The former pacer highlighted how younger players take red-ball cricket lightly due to IPL. “BCCI is instilling discipline by punishing deviation from rules.”
Citing Iyer and Kishan’s absence from crucial knockout clashes, Lal said NCA fitness certification means one must be available for the country. “A stellar IPL cannot substitute national duty,” he opined.
While Iyer belatedly turned up for Mumbai, Kishan preferred training with the Pandya brothers ahead of the cash-rich league.
Lal concluded that BCCI is within its rights to take strict action and warn others. With star power coming at the cost of the domestic system, this sends a reminder to value cricket’s foundation.
