Former Indian cricket star Kirti Azad has openly endorsed the BCCI’s firm stance urging players to prioritize first-class cricket over IPL.
The BCCI’s exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from central contracts serves as a clear message that players disregarding domestic cricket will face consequences. Kirti Azad, a former Indian cricketer, emphasizes the importance of valuing domestic cricket, even for established players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer chose to focus on preparing for the upcoming IPL 2024 instead of participating in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. Kishan withdrew from the Test series against South Africa, citing personal reasons and mental fatigue. Meanwhile, Iyer was omitted from the Test squad due to a lackluster performance in the first two Tests against England.
Despite the BCCI’s directive for all players, excluding those injured or undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA, to engage in domestic cricket for their respective states, Iyer and Kishan opted to prioritize IPL preparations. Kirti Azad commends this decision and urges senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to actively participate in domestic cricket whenever their schedules permit.
Rohit Sharma’s last involvement in domestic cricket dates back to 2018 when he played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai, while Virat Kohli’s last domestic appearance was in 2012. Azad’s endorsement highlights the significance of fostering a commitment to domestic cricket across all levels of the game.
“It (directive) is a very good move. Everybody should be playing Ranji Trophy cricket, but currently the emphasis is on the IPL. It is good; it is entertaining, but the real cricket is the (five) days’ cricket. Playing in domestic cricket is good, it keeps you in touch. But whenever you are free, even if you’re a Rohit Sharma or a Virat Kohli, you should go back and play domestic cricket for the state,” Azad was quoted as saying by India Today.
“That (state) gave you the opportunity to be a player, get selected, and then play for the country. Just to penalise the two is not correct, I think everybody should be penalised. Everybody should be seen with the same mirror,” he added.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have a wonderful opportunity to boost interest in domestic cricket among young players by actively participating in the tournaments. Despite their prolonged absence from domestic cricket, their popularity could significantly enhance the appeal of the tournaments and bring attention to the talent flourishing at the grassroots level.
Rohit Sharma is currently captaining the Indian team in the ongoing five-match Test series against England. Under his leadership, India has secured a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. Impressively, this marks India’s 17th consecutive Test series victory at home. The fifth and final Test match against England is scheduled to take place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
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