Recently, BCCI revealed its central contract list. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan missed out on spots on the list. While Hardik Pandya is there in the grade A position. A lot of buzz was created over that matter. But as per the sources, Hardik Pandya assured the board that he will be part of India’s domestic white-ball format if there are no whiteball commitments.
Shreyas and Ishan Missed and Hardik is Still on the List:
The recent BCCI annual contract announcement for the 2023-24 season has sparked discussions, especially regarding the elevation of Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya to Grade A. This decision raised eyebrows, particularly in light of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer facing termination from their contracts. The exclusion of Kishan and Iyer was attributed to their non-participation in the domestic circuit. However, it’s noteworthy that Hardik Pandya, too, abstained from domestic cricket. This discrepancy in contract decisions has led to speculation and curiosity among cricket enthusiasts, questioning the criteria behind Pandya’s Grade A elevation despite his similar absence from domestic play.
The grading decisions made by the BCCI for the 2023-24 season seem to underscore the importance given to players’ involvement in the domestic circuit. While Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer faced the consequences of their non-participation, the elevation of Hardik Pandya to Grade A without domestic play has sparked debates over the transparency and consistency of the grading system. Fans and experts are keenly observing the rationale behind these decisions, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the BCCI’s annual contract announcements.
Hardik’s Assurance to the Board:
Selectors engaged in extensive deliberations over the contract of Hardik Pandya, according to reports. The all-rounder allegedly secured the contract after assuring his participation in domestic cricket. Sources reveal that Pandya provided a commitment to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s and Vijay Hazare Trophy, given the absence of white-ball commitments with the national team. It’s noteworthy that Pandya has been sidelined from red-ball cricket due to fitness concerns.
As per insights from a source close to Indian Express, the BCCI’s stance is not to mandate Hardik Pandya’s involvement in red-ball cricket. However, the expectation is for him to make himself available for all white-ball domestic cricket, provided there are no international commitments. This arrangement reflects a nuanced approach by the cricket board, balancing the player’s fitness considerations with the necessity of active participation in specific domestic tournaments.
BCCI’s source said, “We have had discussions with Pandya, who has been told to play domestic white-ball tournaments when he is available. At this stage, according to the assessment of the BCCI’s medical team, he is not in a position to bowl in red-ball tournaments.”
Later the source said, “So playing Ranji Trophy is out of the equation for Pandya. But he has to play other white-ball tournaments if there are no India commitments. If not, he will miss out on a contract.”
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