This Wednesday, the BCCI made a notable announcement about the centrally contracted players for the 2023/24 season. Surprisingly, Indian players Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan did not receive contracts. This decision has drawn attention and speculation within the cricketing community about the reasons behind their exclusion from the list of contracted players.
Irfan Pathan’s Say:
Irfan Pathan, the former Indian all-rounder, conveyed his viewpoint through his social media platform, providing valuable insights and opinions on the topic at hand, and engaging his followers in meaningful discussions and reflections.
Irfan Pathan said, “They are talented cricketers, both Shreyas and Ishan. Hoping they bounce back and come back stronger. If players like Hardik don’t want to play red ball cricket, should he and others like him participate in white-ball domestic cricket when they aren’t on national duty? If this doesn’t apply to all, then Indian cricket won’t achieve the desired results.”
BCCI’s Statement:
In a statement about this matter, BCCI said, “Please note that Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were not considered for the annual contracts in this round of recommendations.”
The board further added, “The BCCI has recommended that all athletes give precedence to participating in domestic cricket during periods when they are not representing the national team.”
Current Scenario:
Shreyas Iyer, who was a key figure in India’s squad until the second Test against England in Vizag, saw a downgrade in his contract to Grade B due to injury. Following his exclusion from the Indian team, he withdrew from Mumbai’s Ranji quarterfinal against Baroda due to a groin injury. Despite this setback, he’s been named for the Ranji semifinals starting March 2 and is poised to lead Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL from March 22.
Kishan, formerly categorized in Grade C, has been sidelined since the Test series in South Africa. Nevertheless, he is currently participating in the DY Patil T20 Cup in Navi Mumbai, aiming to rebuild his form and display his skills. Despite his absence from the national scene, he remains determined to make an impact in domestic cricket and prove himself as a valuable asset on the field.
In the process of rehabilitating from an injury sustained during the 2023 World Cup, Pandya has resumed his participation in cricket, making his comeback during the DY Patil T20 tournament, which is held as a corporate event in Mumbai. This return to action marks a significant milestone in his recovery journey, signaling his determination and readiness to return to competitive cricket after facing setbacks due to his injury.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
