In a recent revelation shaking the foundations of Indian cricket, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah disclosed the decision-making process behind the exclusion of prominent players Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from the annual BCCI central contracts list issued in February. The central figure responsible for this surprising move turns out to be none other than the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, who asserted that “nobody is indispensable.”
During a thorough media interaction at the BCCI head office in Mumbai, Jay Shah clarified the internal workings and accountability, emphasizing that Agarkar’s decision stood independently. Shah, while advocating the roles within the selection committee, mentioned, “You can check the constitution. I am just a convener (of the selection meeting). That decision lies with Ajit Agarkar, even when these two players who did not play domestic (cricket), the decision to drop them (from the central contracts list) was only his.”
The background to this development features Ishan Kishan opting for a hiatus from the Indian cricket team and abstaining from participating in domestic cricket for his state side Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy. Reports suggested Kishan was prepping up in Baroda for the Indian Premier League. Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, was associated with the final stages of a domestic tournament, indicating a slightly more active domestic cricket involvement.
Shah’s stance on the exclusions, reflective of a supportive approach towards the chief selector’s stringent policies, indicates a firm resolution to enforce participation in domestic cricket as a clear expectation set forth by the Indian team management and captain. The decision has certainly sent out a message that regardless of the player’s stature, adherence to specified guidelines is of the utmost priority.
“Yes, I had spoken with them (the excluded players). Media had even carried the reports,” Jay Shah outlined, substantiating that even active Indian cricketers such as Hardik Pandya, when considered for white-ball cricket, demonstrated their readiness to engage in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
An intriguing tidbit came to light regarding a conversation between Shah and Kishan following a game between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans. While distancing from the role of advisor, Shah remarked, “No, I did not advise him anything. It was just a friendly talk that he should do well and I speak with all players like that.” This casual exchange signifies the BCCI secretary’s balanced and friendly relationships with the players while maintaining professionalism.
Shah also took the opportunity to discuss the fiscal considerations involving domestic cricketers, disregarding any immediate plans to raise match fees despite acknowledging the hike introduced last year. “We have increased the pay anyway and also incentivised Test cricket. We had increased the pay by 100 per cent in 2022,” he explained, noting the BCCI’s recent efforts to reward and encourage the traditional format of the game.
The unfolding events and statements highlighted by Jay Shah not only illuminate the decision-making process in the intricate world of Indian cricket but also echo a sense of discipline and meritocracy that the BCCI strives to uphold. As the news of exclusions reverberates through the cricket community, it serves as a stark reminder of the competitive nature and the high standards expected from Indian cricketers, both on the international stage and at home.
