Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed support for the Board of Cricket Control in India’s (BCCI) decision to terminate the central contracts of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. Both players were notably absent from the BCCI’s latest contract retention list for 2024.
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Despite their participation in India’s ODI World Cup campaign last year, Iyer and Kishan were omitted from the annual retention contract list by the BCCI. Kishan’s last appearance for India was in November 2023, while Iyer played in the team’s second Test against England in Vizag.
Ganguly, in an interview with Revsports, endorsed the BCCI’s decision regarding Kishan and Iyer, emphasizing that contracted players are expected to actively participate. Iyer held a Grade B contract last season, whereas Kishan was listed in Grade C.
“BCCI wants them to play first-class cricket. I am suprised that Shreyas and Ishan haven’t played Ranji Trophy, a premier tournament. It’s a decision by the BCCI and what they was right. But, players must play first-class cricket,” said Ganguly.
“That’s wrong. You are supposed to play first-class cricket. Once you are a contracted player, you are expected to play. Shreyas Iyer is set to play for Bombay in the semi-final in a couple of day’s time,” Ganguly added.
Furthermore, Ganguly remarked that Kishan’s departure during the South Africa tour and subsequent absence from the series against England surprised him, suggesting that Kishan should prioritize playing in domestic competitions.
“They are young people. Ishan Kishan has surprised me. They are part of the Indian team in all formats, and also have such a big contract in the IPL. So I don’t know why he has done that,” Ganguly said.
“You must play, especially when you are as gifted as Ishan Kishan. When you are playing for India in all-formats, you must play. Yeah, BCCI has taken a strong stance and rightfully so. When you are contracted, you have to abide by the rules,” Ganguly added.