BCCI Central Contracts: On February 28, 2024, the BCCI announced the central contracts for 2023-24. placing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja in the top A+ category. Notably, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were not included in the contracts. It’s said that they were not following instructions to participate in the Ranji Trophy, and the board has taken strict action against these star players.
In the contracts from the previous year, Shreyas Iyer was in Grade B, and Ishan Kishan was in Grade C. However, their apparent unwillingness to play in domestic cricket is now causing consequences for them.
Reasons Why Ishan Kishan And Shreyas Iyer is Out From BCCI Central Contracts for 2023-24
Shreyas Iyer was reportedly added to the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad for the semi-final against Tamil Nadu, but this didn’t seem to influence the BCCI’s decision on contracts. Iyer had skipped the quarter-final against Baroda citing back pain, but the National Cricket Academy confirmed he was fit with no new injury concerns.
Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer have been excluded from the BCCI Central Contract. pic.twitter.com/Q8UW1p0LBg
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 28, 2024
Ishan Kishan, on the other hand, has been away from cricket since November of the previous year. He withdrew from India’s tour of South Africa due to mental health concerns in December 2023. Despite Indian head coach Rahul Dravid emphasizing the need for him to play in domestic cricket to be considered for international selection, Ishan didn’t participate in the Ranji Trophy and only returned during the DY Patil T20 Cup earlier this month.
What Does The BCCI Said?
The board made it clear in a statement that Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were not included in the recommendations for the annual contracts this time.
Earlier in the week, Indian captain Rohit Sharma conveyed a strong message to players aspiring for a spot in the national Test team. He emphasized that opportunities would be given to those who show a “hunger for success” in the “most challenging” format. Many fans thought this was directed at Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, and the recent central contract announcements seem to support this theory.
Fans Reaction On Shreyas Iyer Removed From BCCI Central Contracts for 2023-24
Shreyas Iyer scored 530 runs in the 2023 World Cup and smashed a 70 ball hundred in the Semi Finals.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 28, 2024
3 months later he's not part of the BCCI Central Contract – really unfortunate for Shreyas to not make the list, hope he makes a strong comeback. 🙌❤️ pic.twitter.com/R2HJAgo8zG
As Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan did not make it to the BCCI central contract list for 2024, fans are expressing strong emotions, particularly for Shreyas Iyer. Fans believe that Shreyas Iyer performed exceptionally well in the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023 and played effectively for India at the number 4 position.
They express disappointment that BCCI decided to exclude him from the annual central contract list for 2024. Fans have also shared a post with a caption, stating that Shreyas Iyer was prepared to play in the Ranji Trophy final.
How Ishan Kishan And Sheryas Iyer Can Get to BCCI Central Contracts List?
Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer faced consequences from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for refusing to play in Ranji Trophy matches. The BCCI removed them from the central contracts for the 2023-24 season. However, there is still hope for them. The BCCI has a provision that allows players to be included in Grade C if they represent India in at least 3 Tests, 8 ODIs, or 10 T20Is within a specified period.
For example, Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan, having played 2 Test matches in the ongoing Test series against England, can be included in Grade C if they participate in the upcoming Dharamsala Test.
Ishan and Iyer, having already played some matches, have a chance to re-enter the list if they meet these criteria.
