Rule is rule

Everybody has started talking about Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer all of a sudden. Two of the most talented Indian players are in the news for the wrong reasons. Actually the BCCI has omitted both of them from their central contracts list for the 2023/24 season. If players are not playing for their national side then they should participate in domestic matches. But Shreyas and Ishan did not play in the domestic matches, despite hint or advice from the management. 

I feel this is a simple case of discipline. Some former players are feeling that this is too harsh for two talented players, while another section feels this is how BCCI can bring in discipline in the team and can send a strong message to youngsters. I also feel that players can’t be bigger than the team. Senior players should play domestic matches to get into form or enhance their skills. I remember during my time legendary players like Mohammed Azharuddin, Saba Kareem, Sunil Gavaskar, and many more players would play in domestic matches, if they were on national duty. That’s how they all went on to become legends. Therefore, I feel if you want to play the game then you have to follow the rules of the game. 

Nazeer Ahmed,

By email