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Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan excluded from BCCI annual contracts
In a recent announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) disclosed the list of players awarded contracts for the 2023-24 season, with notable exclusions of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan. Despite their contributions, both Iyer and Kishan were overlooked for contract renewals this season, a decision that has stirred discussions within the cricketing community.
Shreyas Iyer, aged 29, who previously held a Grade B contract, and Ishan Kishan, aged 25, who was under a Grade C contract, were omitted from the list despite their participation in the 50-over World Cup last year. While Iyer showcased commendable performance as one of the seven batters to amass over 500 runs in the tournament, the BCCI cited their absence from their respective state teams in the Ranji Trophy as a contributing factor to their exclusion.
BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah, emphasized the importance of prioritizing domestic cricket during periods when players are not engaged in national team duties. This directive underscores the significance of maintaining consistent involvement in domestic tournaments to secure future contract considerations.
On the other hand, stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja retained their Grade A+ contracts, which boasted a lucrative value of 70 million rupees ($844,240) in the previous year. This elite category signifies the highest echelon of players within the Indian cricketing fraternity, reflecting their invaluable contributions to the team’s success.
Additionally, Shah outlined the criteria for Grade C inclusion, which mandates players to participate in a minimum number of matches across different formats. Athletes who fulfill the requisite criteria, such as playing three tests, eight ODIs, or ten T20Is within the specified period, automatically qualify for Grade C contracts on a pro-rata basis. This ensures a fair and merit-based allocation of contracts, aligning with the BCCI’s commitment to recognizing player contributions across formats.
Noteworthy mentions in the contracted player list include seasoned campaigners like Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya, who were all retained under Grade A contracts. These players have consistently demonstrated their prowess on the field, earning them prestigious contracts within the BCCI framework.
Furthermore, emerging talents such as Surya Kumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal secured Grade B contracts, signifying the promising potential they hold for the future of Indian cricket. Their inclusion underscores the BCCI’s commitment to nurturing and developing young talent, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership within the team.
Meanwhile, Grade C contracts were awarded to a diverse mix of players, including Rinku Singh, Tilak Verma, Ruturaj Gaekwad, Shardul Thakur, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, KS Bharat, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, and Rajat Patidar. This category encompasses players who have showcased potential but are yet to establish themselves as regular fixtures in the national team setup.
The announcement of player contracts for the 2023-24 season reflects the BCCI’s commitment to fostering a competitive and meritocratic environment within Indian cricket. By recognizing and rewarding players based on their performance and contribution, the board aims to incentivize excellence and ensure sustained success across all formats of the game.
As the cricketing landscape continues to evolve, the BCCI remains steadfast in its efforts to support and elevate Indian cricket to greater heights. With a diverse pool of talent at its disposal, the future looks promising for Indian cricket, promising continued success and glory on the international stage.
