The cricket governing body in India, known as the BCCI, has apparently given a direct order. Some players, like Ishan Kishan, Krunal Pandya, and Shreyas Iyer, must immediately join their home teams. The reason? The 2023-24 Ranji Trophy match is coming up.
According to Cricbuzz, the BCCI emailed the players a directive to instill discipline. The Board allegedly thought that these players were not making the greatest use of their time while waiting for the IPL 2024 to begin.
Almost all players who are not in the national team’s current roster or are undergoing injury rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore have gotten the email. They will now be requested to join their Ranji teams for the following round, which starts on February 16.
“Players cannot simply prioritize international cricket or the IPL,” a BCCI official told Cricbuzz. “They must make themselves available for domestic cricket and honour their commitments to their respective state teams.”
BCCI Official
Ishan Kishan took a sabbatical from cricket during India’s tour to South Africa, but he has received criticism for skipping the Ranji Trophy. Earlier rumors stated he was training in Gujarat with Krunal and Hardik Pandya.
Meanwhile, Iyer was recently dropped from India’s selection for the remaining three Tests against England with no formal explanation. According to media sources, his poor form and failure to make a half-century in the first two Tests contributed to his departure.
Although Hardik is not at the NCA, it is uncertain if he would be invited to join his Ranji team as well. Virat Kohli, the former captain, is still on official leave for personal reasons, so the mandate is unlikely to affect him.
When could we see Kishan, Krunal and Iyer in action?
Ishan Kishan from Jharkhand, Krunal of Baroda, and Mumbai’s Iyer may return soon. We might catch them playing on February 16! Jharkhand’s match is against Rajasthan; Baroda and Mumbai are competing with Uttarakhand and Assam, respectively.