'Play red-ball domestic cricket': BCCI to centrally contracted players

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (

BCCI

) has made it mandatory for

centrally contracted players

to actively engage in

red-ball cricket

within the

domestic circuit

in a significant move aimed at enhancing the readiness of

Indian cricketers

for the longest format of the game.
This directive, emphasized by BCCI secretary

Jay Shah

, underscores the board's unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and preserving the sanctity of

Test cricket

.

Addressing the media during the renaming ceremony of the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Shah left no room for ambiguity as he declared, "They have been informed on phone already and I'm going to write letters as well that if your chairman of selectors, your coach and your captain are asking for it then you will have to play red-ball cricket."

Shah's statement was unequivocal in its stance, highlighting the strict enforcement of this mandate.

"We are not going to tolerate any other tantrums. This message is for all centrally contracted players," he asserted, reiterating the board's unwavering stance on the matter.
However, Shah also emphasized that decisions would be made in consultation with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, showing a willingness to accommodate players' individual circumstances.

"Whatever advice we get from the NCA... so we do not want to impose anything in that regard," he clarified.
Moreover, Shah underscored the need to support players when they require personal leaves, citing the example of

Virat Kohli

's recent absence from the ongoing Test series against England.
"If somebody is asking for personal leave in 15 years then it is his right to ask for it," he affirmed, highlighting the importance of backing players during such instances.
On the topic of injured players, Shah assured that updates regarding their fitness and availability would be communicated transparently.
"We will inform you when Shami gets fit," he assured, addressing concerns regarding the return of pace spearhead

Mohammed Shami

.
The BCCI's directive regarding the participation of centrally contracted players in red-ball cricket reflects a holistic approach aimed at fostering player development and upholding the integrity of the game's traditional format. With clarity provided by Shah's statements, it is evident that the board is steadfast in its commitment to balancing the demands of international cricket with the development of talent at the grassroots level.

(With inputs from PTI)