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| Team Management Concerned as Players Opt for IPL Preparation over Domestic Cricket |
In a surprising turn of events, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating decisive action against players who are hesitating to participate in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, choosing instead to wait for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. The Indian team management is notably vexed with the reluctance shown by certain players to engage in domestic first-class cricket, even when fit.
The situation reached a critical point with discussions around the continued absence of Ishan Kishan from all forms of cricket. Kishan, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, had taken a break during the South Africa tour, citing mental health fatigue. Team head coach Rahul Dravid emphasized the need for Kishan to showcase some game time in the domestic circuit before making a return to the national side. However, Kishan has refrained from participating in six consecutive league games of the Ranji Trophy, raising concerns.
Adding to the frustration, Kishan was spotted practicing with Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya in Baroda, fueling speculations about prioritizing IPL 2024 preparation over Ranji Trophy. BCCI officials find this approach disconcerting, considering the emphasis on red-ball cricket to assess a player's readiness for international commitments.
"The decision makers in BCCI are well aware that some players don't want to play any red ball cricket. If they are out of the Indian team, they would at best play a few Mushtaq Ali T20 games and then not report for state team duty during the red-ball season," a senior BCCI official expressed, highlighting the concerning trend.
While acknowledging Hardik Pandya's unique situation due to his prolonged struggle with a back injury, the official underscored the need for a holistic approach. He disclosed that certain young players openly refuse to participate in the Ranji Trophy, citing various reasons such as ongoing physio work or workload management.
"To rein in such players, the board is likely to make it mandatory to play 3-4 Ranji Trophy games. Failing to comply could result in players being ineligible for IPL participation or even the IPL auction if released by their franchise," the official revealed, emphasizing the potential consequences for those neglecting the importance of domestic red-ball cricket.
The move is aimed at ensuring that young talents do not disregard the significance of Ranji Trophy, fostering a culture that values first-class cricket alongside the lucrative T20 formats. As discussions unfold, the BCCI's decision is anticipated to shape the approach of players towards domestic competitions, balancing IPL aspirations with the essential foundation provided by the Ranji Trophy.
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