(AFP Photo)
The BCCI has mandated that India’s Test specialists should engage in domestic cricket during periods when they are not representing the national team. However, an exemption has been granted to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah.
As per a PTI report, it is proposed that all Test players from India must participate in at least one Duleep Trophy match in August before their upcoming Test series against teams such as Bangladesh and New Zealand.
Furthermore, the report indicates that the national selection committee will assemble teams for the Duleep Trophy, ensuring the inclusion of India’s Test players in order to provide them with valuable match practice and preparation ahead of their international commitments.
“All Test team contenders will be picked. For Rohit, Virat and Bumrah, it will be their choice if they want to play or not,” an anonymous source from the Indian Cricket Board added.
During India’s recent five-match Test series against England, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah issued a clear directive to centrally contracted players: they must actively participate in India’s domestic circuit rather than opting out.
Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan did not receive central contracts as they did not comply with the BCCI’s directive to play domestic cricket.
After India’s convincing Test series win over England, Shah introduced the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ aimed at encouraging Indian cricketers to prioritize and excel in Test cricket.
The BCCI aims for a revitalization of domestic cricket by encouraging international stars to participate, thereby enhancing the overall quality of cricket in the country and nurturing talent.
Next on India’s agenda is a white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, where Gautam Gambhir will debut as Head Coach. The squads for both the T20I and ODI series are expected to be announced shortly.
