BCCI Drops Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from Central Contract: Full List of Players

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the list of centrally contracted players for the season from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. However, there is some surprising news as two key players, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, have been dropped from the list. This decision by the BCCI has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts.

Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan Omitted from Central Contracts

Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who are known for their remarkable performances on the cricket field, have been excluded from the list of centrally contracted players. The BCCI's decision has come as a shock to many fans who expected these talented cricketers to be included in the prestigious list.

It is worth noting that the BCCI had advised players to participate in domestic cricket when they are not representing the national team. However, both Iyer and Kishan did not feature in the recent Ranji Trophy matches for their respective teams. This could be a contributing factor to their omission from the central contracts.

Full List of Centrally Contracted Players

The BCCI has divided the 30 players into four grades: A+, A, B, and C. Let's take a closer look at the players in each grade:

Grade A+ (4 players) : Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja

Grade A (6 players): R Ashwin, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya

Grade B (5 players): Surya Kumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal

Grade C (15 players): Rinku Singh, Tilak Verma, Ruturaj Gaekwad, Shardul Thakur, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, KS Bharat, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar

It is worth mentioning that players who fulfill a minimum criteria of playing three Tests or eight ODIs or ten T20Is in the specified time period will automatically be included in the Grade C list on a pro-rata basis. This opens up the opportunity for Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan to be eligible for the BCCI Grade C contract if they make it to the playing XI of the fifth Test against England in Dharamsala, which starts on March 7.

BCCI's Focus on Domestic Cricket

The BCCI's decision to drop Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the central contracts highlights the board's emphasis on domestic cricket. In a statement, the BCCI recommended that all athletes prioritize participating in domestic cricket during periods when they are not representing the national team.

This move by the BCCI is aimed at encouraging players to actively participate in domestic tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy. By doing so, players can further hone their skills and contribute to the growth of cricket at a grassroots level.

Reactions and Discussions

The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the centrally contracted players' list has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts. Many fans and experts are expressing their surprise and disappointment over the omission of these talented players.

It is important to note that the BCCI's decision is based on various factors, including the players' recent performances and their participation in domestic cricket. While some may question the selection criteria, it is essential to respect the board's judgment and trust their vision for Indian cricket.

Conclusion

The BCCI's announcement of the centrally contracted players for the upcoming season has left some fans shocked with the omission of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan. However, this decision highlights the board's focus on domestic cricket and encourages players to actively participate in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy.