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'Game-Changing Move..,' Shastri On BCCI Offering Special Central Contract To Seamers

Umran Malik is one of the short-listed candidates. (X.com)Umran Malik is one of the short-listed candidates. (X.com)

On Wednesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the list of centrally contracted players for the year. 

While the absence of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer sparked discussions, the board has introduced a groundbreaking initiative by creating special central contracts for fast bowlers. Former head coach Ravi Shastri has lauded this move, hailing it as a 'game-changer'.

Reports indicate that the former India fast bowler and current chief selector of the BCCI, Ajit Agarkar, proposed this revolutionary step. Given his advocacy for nurturing fast bowlers during his coaching stint, Shastri was thoroughly impressed by the BCCI's decision.

He commended the BCCI and Jay Shah's initiative in introducing 'Fast Bowling' contracts, considering it important in preparing for upcoming matches in Australia later this year. 

Shastri underscored the significance of prioritizing Test Cricket and Domestic Cricket, viewing it as a significant step towards shaping the future of cricket in India.

The announcement saw 30 players receiving central contracts for the 2023-24 season on February 28. Alongside the termination of contracts for Iyer and Ishan due to their reluctance to partake in domestic cricket, emerging bowlers found themselves included in a special contract list.

To uphold excellence in fast bowling, the governing body introduced contracts tailored specifically for seamers. The selection committee endorsed fast bowling contracts for Akash Deep, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal, and Vidwath Kaverappa. 

This strategic move aims to provide financial stability and recognition to these promising bowlers for their grind in domestic cricket, particularly at the first-class level.

The selectors are actively engaged in building a formidable pool of bowlers for red-ball cricket, as well as nurturing a group of wicketkeepers and spinners capable of thriving in first-class cricket.