“If this doesn’t apply to all, then Indian cricket won’t achieve the desired results!”- Irfan Pathan on BCCI not giving central contracts to Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer.
Former India bowling all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently provided insight into the decision made by the BCCI to terminate the contracts of prominent players, namely Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan. This decision reportedly stemmed from their non-participation in Ranji Trophy games while being available and not engaged in national duties.
In the announcement of contracted players for the 2023-24 season, the BCCI disclosed that Shreyas and Ishan were not included in the contracts this time. The board emphasized the importance of players’ involvement in domestic tournaments when not representing the national team.
Reacting to this development, Irfan Pathan extended his best wishes to Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, expressing hope that they would overcome this phase and return stronger. Pathan also recommended that the BCCI formulate strategies for players like Hardik Pandya, who primarily focus on white-ball cricket, to ensure fairness and equitable treatment for all cricketers.
Irfan Pathan said “They are talented cricketers, both Shreyas and Ishan. Hoping they bounce back and come back stronger. If players like Hardik don’t want to play red ball cricket, should he and others like him participate in white-ball domestic cricket when they aren’t on national duty? If this doesn’t apply to all, then Indian cricket won’t achieve the desired results!”