Ex-India Coach Ravi Shastri Lauds BCCI Contract List, Backs Omitted Players

In an unprecedented fashion, India’s World Cup 2023 campaigners Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were excluded from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) annual contract list, raising eyebrows on Wednesday.

The duo’s omission coincided with the BCCI unveiling new ‘fast-bowling’ contracts and reiterating its mandatory emphasis on domestic cricket participation.

Iyer and Kishan, who were key contributors in India’s 2023 World Cup campaign, were missing from the 30-player list for the 2023-2024 season.

Notably, the BCCI included five young pacers – Akash Deep, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal, and Vidwath Kaverappa – in the newly introduced fast-bowling contracts, aimed at bolstering India’s pace attack for the upcoming tour of Australia.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri took to social media to applaud the BCCI’s decisions. “Big applause to the BCCI and Jay Shah for the game-changing move with ‘fast bowling’ contracts,” Shastri wrote. “The emphasis on Test cricket and domestic cricket is a powerful message, setting the right tone for the future.”

While acknowledging the omissions, Shastri expressed confidence in the excluded players. “In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit,” he said, addressing Iyer and Kishan. “Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you’ll conquer once again.”

Domestic Participation is mandatory for BCCI central contract 

The BCCI, in its media advisory, clarified the exclusion of Iyer and Kishan, stating, “They were not considered for the annual contracts in this round of recommendations.” The board further emphasized, “The BCCI has recommended that all athletes give precedence to participating in domestic cricket during periods when they are not representing the national team.”

Iyer, who will lead Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming IPL, missed out on his Grade B contract after being dropped from India’s Test squad against England.

Kishan, who received a break from the BCCI during the South Africa tour, had his Grade C contract revoked after skipping the Ranji Trophy with Jharkhand. However, he participated in the DY Patil T20 Cup in Mumbai.

While both players remain unavailable for selection until they feature in domestic tournaments, Shastri’s words offer a glimmer of hope for their potential return to the national fold.