Former India captain Kapil Dev recently responded to Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan losing their central contracts due to their stated refusal to play local cricket.
Kapil Dev praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for executing a firm approach to ensure players don’t overlook first-class matches. He believed that while a few may be disheartened by the measures taken, it was indeed the correct course of action.
During a interaction with PTI, the captain of the 1983 World Cup triumphant team commented:
“I am so happy that the cricket board has taken a step forward for first-class cricket. The boys must play that, it’s good for the country. Whatever is good for the country, I feel happy about that. Yes, few players will suffer…kuch ko takleef hogi, hone do, lekin desh se badhkar koi nahi hai. Well done.”
Kapil Dev
Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were conspicuous absentees from the BCCI’s central contract list, which was revealed on February 28. Last year, Iyer and Kishan were in grades B and C, respectively.
Madan Lal backs BCCI’s action against Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer for skipping first-class cricket
When reflecting on Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer’s loss of central contracts, Kapil Dev’s colleague from the 1983 World Cup, Madan Lal, made equivalent observations.
He stated that both players should have obeyed the BCCI’s instructions and played in first-class matches. Recognizing that many Indian cricketers have taken domestic cricket for granted, Lal said TOI:
“If the BCCI told them to play first-class cricket, they should have gone and played. No one is bigger than the game. The BCCI should be given the credit as they are making it mandatory to play first-class cricket. Most of the players nowadays are taking first-class cricket for granted because of the IPL. Definitely, the BCCI made a rule that every player should go and play first-class cricket. So if you don’t follow the rules, then they have to take some action and set an example for others.”
Madan Lal
Shreyas Iyer has earned a place in Mumbai’s team for the Ranji Trophy 2024 semifinal against Tamil Nadu. In the meantime, Ishan Kishan has made a comeback in the ongoing DY Patil T20 Cup in Mumbai.