(Image source from: Twitter.com/BCCI)
During a media interaction in Rajkot, Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, stated that it is compulsory for centrally contracted players in India to participate in red-ball cricket matches at the domestic level. Shah emphasized that the board will not tolerate any excuses for not adhering to this requirement. He further added that if a player refuses to follow the instructions given by the team management, the chairman of selectors will have the authority to make a decision on their behalf. It was previously reported by PTI that Indian players will need to play in at least three or four matches of the Ranji trophy if they wish to participate in the IPL. Shah mentioned that the players have already been informed about this through phone calls, and he also intends to send them written letters. He clarified that this decision is in line with the guidance provided by the national cricket Academy in Bangalore.
We have no intention of imposing any restrictions on red-ball cricket," stated Shah. "As long as the players are fit and young, we won't tolerate any misbehavior. This applies to all centrally contracted players," he clarified. "Every player must participate, unless the chairman of the selection committee advises otherwise. I will give him complete authority to make his own decisions," Shah added. He emphasized the importance of supporting players when they require time off for personal reasons, such as Virat Kohli's absence from the current Test series against England.
"If a player requests leave after 15 years of service, it is his right to do so. Virat is not the type of player to take leave without a valid reason. We must trust and support our players," he explained. However, Shah did not disclose whether Kohli, like Rohit Sharma who was appointed as the T20 captain for the upcoming World Cup, would be available for the tournament. Shah mentioned that the discussion about Virat can be postponed for now. He also mentioned that Mohammed Shami, who is currently recovering from an injury, will be updated on his fitness status in due course. "We will let you know when Shami is fit," he assured.
