The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah, in attendance in Rajkot ahead of India's third Test against England, has warned India players to prioritise red ball cricket if the management so desires.
His remarks come amid a recent directive by BCCI to its players that anybody not injured or on national duty should be playing the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
Shah was speaking after the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium was renamed as the Niranjan Shah stadium. He also talked about Rohit Sharma leading India in the upcoming ICC T20I World Cup 2024.
The BCCI secretary's comments come amid the controversy around Ishan Kishan's absence from the Indian team set up.
Bet here on India vs England and othe cricket matches!
What did Jay Shah say amid Ishan Kishan selection controversy?
Jay Shah confirmed that all contracted players not on national duty must participate in the Ranji Trophy - India's premiere red-ball tournament in the domestic circuit. He added that the rule would be non-negotiable, especially on the ask of the coach, captain, and chairman of the selection committee.
MORE: How did Ishan Kishan fall out of favour with Dravid and Rohit Sharma?
Recently, Kishan had fallen out of favour with the team management after opting out of the team's tour to South Africa mid way, citing mental fatigue. However, he was since seen partying in Dubai and has not been picked for national team duty ever since.
It has been reported that BCCI is not happy with Kishan's attitude and the fact that he had opted to skip his state team's Ranji Trophy games and instead opting to practice for the IPL which begins in March. Coach Rahul Dravid had also remarked that Kishan needs to play before he is considered for selection.
BCCI's directive comes in the wake of these reports and is a telling indicator of what they think of the Kishan controversy.
All contracted players have been told on phone and I'll be writing to them too. If chairman of selectors, coach & captain want you to play red-ball cricket then you gotta play. ‘Nakhare Nahi Chalenge’ (no tantrums).
— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) February 14, 2024
BCCI Secy Jay Shah not mincing his words on Ranji participation
MORE: Jay Shah confirms Rohit Sharma to lead India in T20I World Cup 2024
When is India's third Test against England?
Team India will host England in the third Test of the five-match series in Rajkot. The match is scheduled from February 15 to February 19. With the series being a stalemate after the first two games, the game in Rajkot could hand a decisive advantage to the winner.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Sporting News has editorial oversight for this content. Learn more >