BCCI Opts to Exclude Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from Central Contracts Amid Participation Concerns

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made a significant announcement regarding the annual retainership for the senior men’s team cricketers for the 2023-24 cycle on February 28. In a surprising move, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were notably removed from the list of players included in the central contracts, despite their involvement in India’s ODI World Cup campaign the previous year.

Top players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja were retained in the highest bracket (A+), with a total of 30 players being listed in the central contracts. The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the annual retainership contract list followed directives from the board and its secretary Jay Shah.

Shreyas Iyer, previously in Grade B, and Ishan Kishan, categorized under Grade C, faced removal from the annual contracts due to reported non-compliance with the board’s instructions, urging players to prioritize participation in domestic cricket during periods when they are not part of the national team.

On the flip side, Rahul and Shubman Gill received promotions in the new contracts, while Hardik Pandya continued to hold a place in the Grade A bracket despite his absence from Test cricket selection. Throughout 2023, Hardik led India in several T20I matches and was considered a potential successor to Rohit Sharma, but an injury during the World Cup disrupted his progress.

The decision to exclude Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the central contracts underscores the BCCI’s emphasis on players actively engaging in domestic cricket between international commitments. Both cricketers found themselves in a contentious position, with their non-involvement in domestic tournaments possibly influencing the board’s selection for the annual retainership.