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Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has issued a stern warning to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), cautioning them against leniency regarding player participation in domestic cricket. His remarks come after Virat Kohli and KL Rahul missed their Ranji Trophy matches, citing injuries.
The debate arises from the BCCI’s recently implemented 10-point mandate, which requires players to participate in domestic tournaments to remain eligible for national selection and central contracts. This move, spurred by India’s disappointing performances on the Australia tour, aims to maintain player fitness, promote domestic cricket, and inspire emerging talent.
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BCCI’s New Policy on Domestic Cricket Participation
The BCCI’s guidelines clearly state:
“Participation in domestic matches is mandatory for players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts… Any exceptions will require formal notification and approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee.”
In line with this policy, several Indian stars made themselves available for the ongoing Ranji Trophy. However, Kohli (neck sprain) and Rahul (elbow injury) missed their respective matches, raising questions about the enforcement of the rule.
Gavaskar’s Concerns: ‘Getting a Medical Certificate is Child’s Play’
Writing in his Sportstar column, Gavaskar expressed skepticism about the reasons cited by players for missing matches.
“Were they injured? Getting a medical certificate for an ‘injury’ is child’s play. If they are injured, did they go to the NCA [National Cricket Academy] for treatment and recovery? Isn’t that the practice for BCCI-contracted players? For all we know, these players might have opted out of earlier games for non-injury reasons. We shall soon find out.”
Gavaskar emphasized that contracted players should report injuries to the NCA, where BCCI medical experts can assess their fitness before allowing them to resume playing. He hinted that bypassing this process could undermine the transparency and credibility of the system.
What’s Next for Kohli and Rahul?
Both Kohli and Rahul are set to return for the final round of the Ranji Trophy group stage:
- Virat Kohli will represent Delhi against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
- KL Rahul will feature for Karnataka in their game against Haryana in Bengaluru.
Their participation will be closely scrutinized to see if they comply with the BCCI’s new rules.
Why the Mandate Matters
The policy is designed to:
- Maintain match fitness for players.
- Strengthen domestic cricket by ensuring top players compete at the grassroots level.
- Provide young talent with the opportunity to play alongside experienced cricketers.
However, Gavaskar’s comments highlight the potential loopholes in the system, particularly regarding medical exemptions.
Final Thoughts
With Kohli and Rahul’s fitness and availability under the spotlight, the BCCI faces a crucial test in enforcing its new mandate. Gavaskar’s pointed remarks underline the need for transparency and consistency in how exceptions are handled, ensuring the policy fulfills its intended purpose of enhancing India’s domestic and international cricket ecosystem.
