The recent decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to exclude Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from their central contracts has sparked significant discussion within the cricketing community. The board made the move in response to both players’ failure to comply with the directive to participate in domestic cricket when not on national duty.
Former Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has voiced his support for the BCCI’s firm stance, emphasizing the importance of upholding the integrity of the game and setting a positive example for aspiring cricketers.
“The BCCI’s decision to take strict action early on is commendable,” Akmal remarked on his YouTube channel.
He highlighted the cases of Shreyas Iyer, who missed domestic matches despite being deemed fit, and Ishan Kishan, who took a personal break during the South Africa tour. According to Akmal, this decision sends a clear message to all players regarding the significance of prioritizing domestic cricket.
“If you don’t respect the cricket that helped you reach the national team, what message does it send to young cricketers?” Akmal questioned.
Although excluded from central contracts, both Iyer and Kishan have opportunities to rectify their situation. Mumbai’s squad for the ongoing Ranji Trophy semifinal includes Iyer, offering him a chance to demonstrate his commitment to domestic cricket.
Meanwhile, Kishan made a return to action in the DY Patil T20 tournament, though his absence from the Ranji Trophy did not go unnoticed.
Veteran cricketers and experts, including Kapil Dev and Madan Lal, have also expressed their support for the BCCI’s decision, underscoring the importance of domestic cricket as a fundamental component of a player’s development and success.
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