“A reason for concern,” the BCCI alerts players when they choose the IPL above domestic cricket

NEW DEHLI: In response to players who have shown preference for the Indian Premier League over domestic cricket, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has instructed centrally-contracted players to demonstrate their abilities in first-class cricket before being selected for the national team.
Shah also threatened to have “severe implications” for the players should they choose to disregard domestic cricket.

The secretary said that while the board is pleased with the IPL’s achievements over the years, domestic cricket has been the “foundation upon which Indian cricket stands,” stressing its importance.
But something is beginning to happen that should worry you. Unexpectedly, some players have started to place more importance on the IPL than on domestic cricket. In the letter to players, which ESPNcricinfo cited, Jay Shah said, “Domestic cricket has always been the foundation upon which Indian cricket stands, and it has never been undervalued in our vision for the sport.”
The secretary for BCCI went on to say that the board has always had the clear intention that any player who wants to represent India should first play domestic cricket.

“It is essential to acknowledge that domestic cricket is the foundation of Indian cricket and acts as Team India’s feeder line. Our goal for Indian cricket has always been clear: in order to play for India, a cricketer must first establish themselves in their own country. The 35-year-old said, “Performance in local competitions is still a crucial criterion for selection, and missing out on domestic cricket matches would have serious consequences.

Players who have been missing from India’s teams for various reasons, including Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, and Deepak Chahar, are the recipients of this letter.
Iyer has a BCCI contract that is Grade B, whereas Kishan has a contract that is Grade C. The most recent BCCI contract extensions did not include Chahar.

Ishan last competed for India in a Twenty20 international match in Guwahati against Australia, after which he was left out of the starting eleven. Despite being in the T20I team in South Africa in December 2023, the 25-year-old did not play in any of the three matches.
Ishan was not considered for the current Test series against England, despite the fact that he was the wicketkeeper during India’s trip to the West Indies last year. He also refrained from competing in the current Ranji Trophy.

However, after participating in the first two Tests of the five-match series against England, where he scored only 35 runs in the games played in Hyderabad and Vizag, Iyer was left out of the Indian team for the last three Tests.
Regarding Chahar, it is uncertain whether he is eligible for selection after withdrawing from the last Twenty20 International match against Australia and the following tour of South Africa due to his father’s stroke.