In a surprising move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Wednesday, February 28, that Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer have been omitted from the central contract list. Both players, integral members of Team India, have been regular fixtures in the squad, making the exclusion all the more unexpected.
The decision comes as a shock to many, especially considering the prominence of Kishan and Iyer in recent cricketing events. However, the BCCI has clarified that the duo was not considered for annual contracts, citing unspecified reasons for their omission.
Ishan Kishan’s absence from the cricketing scene since December 2023 due to personal reasons has been noted. While he made a return in the DY Patil tournament, the matches played during this period have not been officially recorded. As such, the upcoming IPL 2024 is slated to mark his official comeback to competitive cricket.
Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, was recently part of Team India during the initial two Tests against England but was subsequently dropped for the final three Tests. While the exact rationale behind the BCCI’s decision remains unconfirmed, speculations suggest it could be linked to the players disregarding board directives.
In addition to Kishan and Iyer, five more players have been axed from the central contract list. Shikhar Dhawan, who hasn’t represented Team India for over a year, finds himself without a contract. Cheteshwar Pujara, despite his efforts to reclaim his spot in the national team, has been overlooked by selectors and consequently dropped from the contract list. Umesh Yadav and Deepak Hooda have also faced the same fate.
Furthermore, Yuzvendra Chahal, once a staple in India’s white-ball squads, has been omitted from the contracts. Chahal’s exclusion follows his absence from the national team since the lead-up to the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, there remains a glimmer of hope for the seasoned campaigner as a strong showing in IPL 2024 could pave the way for his return to the international fold.
The BCCI’s decision to revamp the central contract list reflects its commitment to maintaining performance standards and discipline within the Indian cricketing fraternity. While the exclusions may raise eyebrows, they also serve as a reminder of the stringent expectations placed on players representing the nation at the highest level.
