The Secretary of the BCCI, Jay Shah, recently issued a stern warning to cricketers who choose not to participate in domestic red-ball cricket matches, emphasizing the importance of such games. This came to light when Ishan Kishan decided to skip a Ranji match despite the advisory. Jay Shah highlighted that playing domestic cricket in India is crucial for national team selection and neglecting it might have serious consequences.
In a letter addressed to relevant players and Indian A team cricketers, Jay Shah expressed concern over the increasing trend of prioritizing IPL over domestic red-ball cricket. He stressed that domestic cricket has always been the foundation of Indian cricket and cannot be underestimated. Jay Shah insisted that every aspiring player who wishes to represent India must prove themselves in domestic cricket.
Emphasizes Importance of Prioritizing Domestic Red-Ball Cricket for Aspiring Indian Players
The letter was written following Ishan Kishan’s absence from the Ranji matches, despite being a representative of Jharkhand in domestic cricket. Even though Kishan has been actively participating in white-ball formats and IPL, skipping the red-ball matches raised eyebrows.
Jay Shah’s cautionary message is clear: players aspiring to play for India should prioritize domestic red-ball cricket and deliver outstanding performances. He emphasized that this form of cricket lays the cornerstone for their journey to the national team and should not be overlooked, especially in favor of tournaments like the IPL.
A Reminder to Prioritize Skills and Commitment
The message from Jay Shah resonates with the idea that those who desire to play for India must showcase their skills and commitment in domestic red-ball cricket. Neglecting these matches might not only hinder a player’s growth but also impact their chances of making it to the national team. The Secretary’s advisory serves as a reminder to all cricketers that domestic cricket remains an integral part of their journey to don the Indian jersey.