“Surprised” Sourav Ganguly, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer Disregard Cricket’s “Basic Premise” in Order to Draw the BCCI’s Ire

The BCCI’s decision to remove outstanding players Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from central contracts has the support of former India captain Sourav Ganguly. Since withdrawing from the Test team during the December 2023 tour of South Africa, Kishan has not played.

Iyer, however, did not play for India or his home team Mumbai despite being cleared by NCA to participate while complaining of back discomfort. The BCCI would to comment on the rationale behind the decision to remove Kishan and Iyer from their central contracts, although rumors have it that the decision was made because of their lack of involvement in domestic cricket.

Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, had also sent a letter to the players under central contract, cautioning them not to put Indian Premier League ahead of domestic cricket and national commitments.

In his letter, Shah said that players who disobey the BCCI’s instructions would suffer “severe implications”.

Still, Kishan and Iyer failed to show up for their state teams. Prior to the 2024 Indian Premier League, Kishan was seen practicing with Hardik and his brother Krunal Pandya.

Iyer did not play in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy quarterfinals either, since he was allegedly at the training camp of the Kolkata Knight Riders before the 2024 Indian Premier League.

Ganguly supported the BCCI’s decision to bench both players, expressing surprise that Iyer and Kishan were missing local matches.

“I believe the BCCI desires that they play elite cricket. Why Shreyas Iyer hasn’t participated in the Ranji Trophy surprises me. You are expected to participate in this elite competition. Therefore, BCCI made the choice and acted appropriately based on its assessment. The fundamental tenet of cricket in this nation is that every contractual player must play first class cricket, Ganguly told RevSportz.

“You’re expected to play elite cricket. You are required to participate in the Premier competition as soon as you sign a contract. In a few days, Shreyas Iyer will play for Mumbai in the semi-final. Yes, they are youthful, and Ishan has taken me by surprise. In every format, he was a member of the Indian squad. Such a large IPL deal. I’m not sure why he took that action. You have to play, particularly with a talent like Ishan Kishan’s. You have to play while representing India in any format. His choice to not do so astonished me,” the former skipper of India said.