Shreyas Iyer (L) and Ishan Kishan
Former Indian cricket team fast bowler Praveen Kumar shared his perspective on the recent controversy surrounding Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan not being awarded central contracts by the BCCI. Both cricketers faced repercussions for their absence in Ranji Trophy matches, as the Board emphasized its focus on domestic cricket.
In an Interview, Praveen emphasized the importance of cricketers earning money but cautioned against neglecting domestic cricket. He advised young players to prioritize international cricket over the Indian Premier League (IPL) and strive to strike a balance between both aspects of their careers.
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“I have been advocating this for a while now. There’s nothing wrong with earning money, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of neglecting domestic or national cricket. Players should not adopt a mindset of taking a break before the IPL and then resuming. It’s unfair. A player needs to maintain a balance. Money matters, but prioritizing franchise cricket over other forms is not right.”
Previously, during the Ranji Trophy semi-final match between Mumbai and Tamil Nadu, Shreyas Iyer faced criticism after scoring just 3 runs off 8 balls before being dismissed by Sandeep Warrier. This match marked Iyer’s return to domestic cricket following the BCCI’s decision not to offer him a central contract. The exclusion of Iyer and Ishan Kishan from central contracts has sparked discussions among fans and experts, with many supporting the decision as a potential example for younger cricketers who might prioritize IPL over traditional red-ball cricket.
