In a bid to ensure discipline and commitment among players, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a directive requiring non-national squad members to join their respective state teams for the upcoming round of Ranji Trophy matches. This move, aimed at curbing idleness among players waiting for the Indian Premier League (IPL) to commence, was conveyed via email to players on Monday.
The directive is particularly significant for players like Ishan Kishan, who have been prioritizing IPL preparations over competitive cricket. Ishan, training in Baroda, is set to represent his home state Jharkhand against Rajasthan in the upcoming match. This ruling also affects other players such as Krunal Pandya and Deepak Chahar, who have been inactive in Ranji Trophy matches, as well as individuals like Shreyas Iyer, who have been excluded from the national team due to poor form.
According to a BCCI official familiar with the decision, players are expected to honor their commitments to their respective state teams and cannot prioritize international cricket or the IPL over domestic cricket. Ishan Kishan’s prolonged absence from competitive cricket has raised concerns within Indian cricket circles, especially after opting out of playing for Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy following his release from the Indian squad during the South Africa series. Despite facing criticism, Ishan remains resolute in his decision to focus on IPL preparations.
