After players like Ishan Kishan, Deepak Chahar, and Krunal Pandya decided to skip the Ranji Trophy matches so far, the BCCI has decided to take a stern action to “instill discipline among players” and make them value Ranji Trophy.
Ishan Kishan has not played any form of the game, at any level, since November 28. He was named in the Test squad for the South Africa series in December, but he pulled out, citing personal reasons. Since then, the wicket-keeper has not made himself available neither for India games nor for his state Jharkhand’s Ranji Trophy 2024 matches.
Jharkhand has only one Ranji Trophy remaining now, against Rajasthan in Jamshedpur, starting February 16. The BCCI, according to a report in Cricbuzz, has sent an email to the players “mandating their participation in state teams”.
Ishan Kishan was last reported to be in Baroda, training at the Kiran More Academy, practicing with Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya. It feels that the 25-year-old has already made up his mind that he would return straight in th IPL next month.
A BCCI source recently told PTI that the board is unhappy with players prioritizing the IPL.
“The decision makers in BCCI are well aware that some players don’t want to play any red ball cricket. If they are out of Indian team, they would at best play a few Mushtaq Ali T20 games and then not report for state team duty during red ball season,” a senior BCCI official told PTI.
Learning from Ishan Kishan fiasco, BCCI to make minimum number of Ranji matches mandatory
The source added that the BCCI is pondering over making it compulsory for players to play or be available for a minimum number of Ranji matches in order to be allowed to play in the IPL or take part in the IPL auction.
“To rein in such players, board in all likelihood will make it mandatory to play 3-4 Ranji Trophy games, failing which, they can’t play IPL or even appear in IPL auction if released by their franchise,” the source added.
“The state units feel unless the diktat comes from top of BCCI, some of the young stars will treat Ranji Trophy with disdain. It is understood that even Indian team’s think-tank are pissed off with a certain section of players, who are always reluctant to play Ranji Trophy even when they are fit.
“We can understand Hardik Pandya’s case as his body can’t take the rigours of red ball cricket. He can’t withstand the workload of Test cricket and India needs him fit for ICC events. But some of the other youngsters, whenever you call them, they will cite that they are currently doing physio work. There needs to be a stop somewhere,” the official said.
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