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'Are They Playing Domestics?' - 1983 WC Winner Slams BCCI For Special Treatment To Kohli, Rohit

Virat and Rohit are in A+ grade in the central contract [X.com]Virat and Rohit are in A+ grade in the central contract [X.com]

In an effort to reinvigorate senior player participation in domestic tournaments, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has opted to withhold central contracts from Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan. 

Their omission from the contract list has elicited a range of reactions from fans and former cricketers. Reflecting on the unfolding situation, 1983 World Cup winner Kirti Azad remarked that while the Board's decision is justifiable, he also acknowledged it as harsh.

Speaking to the media, Kirti Azad commended the measure taken by the Board, highlighting the importance of players participating in the domestic circuit. 

He emphasised that such involvement would enable players to maintain good form rather than solely relying on appearances in the Indian Premier League.

"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,"  the former cricketer said. 

However, Azad also expressed his belief that singling out only these two players for penalisation is overly severe. He further suggested that cricketers of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's calibre should also prioritise playing for their respective state teams.


'Are Kohli, Rohit playing domestics?' - Kirti Azad

He emphasised that such participation offers a crucial platform for players to showcase their talent and pave their way to the international stage. 

"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. That (state) gave you the opportunity to be a player, get selected and then play for the country," he added. 

During the conversation, Kirti Azad raised concerns about whether the young players are sufficiently engaged in domestic cricket. 

He contrasted them with stalwarts like Bishan Singh Bedi, Madan Lal, and Surinder Amarnath, who continued to represent their respective state teams even after achieving success on the international stage, such as winning the World Cup. Azad remarked:

"My question is, are they playing enough domestic cricket? They are playing T20 cricket, nowadays and every other state has a T20 cricket league."

The legendary Indian international also lauded the dedication of players such as Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, who have remained committed to their state teams despite not being selected after consistently performing well.