The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly planning stringent actions against players who are reluctant to participate in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season while awaiting the commencement of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Concerns arose, especially regarding Ishan Kishan’s prolonged absence from cricket. The Indian team management, frustrated with players’ reluctance despite being fit, is considering a mandatory provision for players to participate in 3-4 Ranji Trophy games before being allowed to play in the IPL.
Ishan Kishan, the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, took a break during the South Africa tour, citing mental health fatigue. Although the team coach, Rahul Dravid, emphasized the need for game time in domestic cricket before a return to the national side, Kishan has stayed out of six consecutive league games in the Ranji Trophy. His participation in IPL practice sessions with Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, without featuring in Ranji Trophy, has reportedly irked BCCI officials.
While acknowledging the unique case of Hardik Pandya, who is managing a back injury, BCCI officials express concern about other young players openly refusing to participate in the Ranji Trophy. To address this, the BCCI is contemplating a mandatory requirement for players to play a set number of Ranji Trophy games, failing which they might be ineligible for IPL participation or auction. State units believe that such a directive from the top of BCCI is necessary to ensure young players prioritize domestic first-class cricket.
