A major declaration about the involvement of centrally contracted players in domestic cricket was made by the BCCI not long ago. The order states that, barring injury, all players under central contract must participate in domestic cricket. Players are required to notify the BCCI immediately upon becoming aware of any injury. This decision signifies a significant change in the BCCI’s strategy, which was announced by Secretary Jay Shah.
Additionally, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have been boldly removed off the contract list by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Anyone ignoring domestic cricket will get a loud and unambiguous message from this ruling. This decision is based on the fact that both players have repeatedly disregarded the strong orders given by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who emphasised that all contractual players should participate in domestic cricket.
All things considered, the BCCI’s recent moves highlight an aggressive strategy to boost local cricket and guarantee the participation of centrally contracted players. The objective of the BCCI is to improve the quality of domestic cricket and to develop players for international tournaments by adopting swift measures and communicating clearly with players about their roles and duties.
Here Is Why the BCCI Did Not Drop Hardik Pandya From the Central Contract
However, Hardik Pandya has not played a game of cricket since the World Cup while he recovered from an ankle injury, but he is still regarded as a Grade A player. Despite not playing a single game of cricket since the World Cup due to an ankle injury, Hardik Pandya retains his Grade A player status, sparking concern among fans and analysts. Although he abstains from test cricket and misses half of the ODI matches, as well as all Ranji Trophy and domestic games, he continues to maintain his position. This inconsistency has stirred frustration among observers.
The discrepancy surrounding Pandya’s treatment arises from his prior communication with the BCCI regarding his physical condition, which renders him unsuitable for the rigorous demands of red-ball cricket. He has refrained from participating in First-Class matches since 2018, citing concerns about his back ailment, which originated during the 2018 Asia Cup. Subsequently, he underwent surgery in September 2020, leading to a prolonged absence from cricket.
Despite his setbacks, Pandya displayed resilience by returning to form during IPL 2022, guiding Gujarat Titans to victory. His stellar performance earned him leadership of the Indian Twenty20 squad, showcasing his value as a batsman and bowler. While Rohit Sharma focused on preparation for the One-Day International World Cup, Pandya assumed a crucial role in the Twenty20 squad.
Although Pandya has not explicitly stated his unavailability for test cricket, both he and the BCCI acknowledge the limitations imposed by his ongoing injury. In response to inquiries about his absence from the test squad, Pandya emphasized the need for extensive preparation before considering a return. In light of the physical challenges faced by Pandya, the BCCI remains steadfast in prioritizing his well-being and career longevity. By abstaining from exposing him to the demands of red-ball cricket, the BCCI aims to safeguard Pandya’s future prospects in the sport.
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