(Cricket News) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has acted decisively against players who have been wasting time waiting for the Indian Premier League (IPL) to start. The BCCI, in conjunction with national selectors, has enforced players’ participation in state teams in an effort to instill discipline among players.

The decision was sent to players via email on Monday and applies to those who are not currently on the national team or receiving rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Players must immediately report to their respective state teams for the next round of Ranji Trophy matches, which begins on February 16.

This letter specifically affects players like Ishan Kishan, who has chosen to focus on IPL preparations rather than competitive cricket. For example, Ishan, who is currently training in Baroda, is scheduled to play for his home state of Jharkhand against Rajasthan in Jamshedpur.

Nevertheless, this letter does not just affect Ishan; it also affects players like Krunal Pandya and Deepak Chahar, who have not played in Ranji Trophy matches, as well as individuals like Shreyas Iyer, who have been dropped from the national team due to subpar performance.

A BCCI official who is familiar with the decision stated, “Players cannot simply prioritize international cricket or the IPL. They must make themselves available for domestic cricket and honor their commitments to their respective state teams.”

Ishan’s protracted absence from competitive cricket has caused controversy in Indian cricket circles. He was criticized for choosing to focus on his IPL preparations rather than play for Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy after being cut from the Indian squad during the South Africa series.

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