Players Face "Severe Implications" for Skipping Red-Ball Domestic Games, Warns Jay Shah

According to the letter, he addressed "the concerning trend of players prioritising the Indian Premier League (IPL) over domestic red-ball cricket ". This shift, as outlined in the letter, has raised eyebrows within the cricketing fraternity, prompting Shah to address the issue directly with the players.

"There is a recent trend that has started to emerge and is a cause for concern. Some players have begun prioritising the IPL over domestic cricket , a shift that was not anticipated. Domestic cricket has always been the foundation upon which Indian cricket stands, and it has never been undervalued in our vision for the sport," Shah wrote in the letter, according to reports from the Indian Express.

Shah reiterated the longstanding vision of the BCCI , stating, "Our vision for Indian cricket has been clear from the outset - every cricketer aspiring to play for India must prove themselves in domestic cricket. Performance in domestic cricket remains a critical yardstick for selection and non-participation in domestic cricket will carry severe implications," the letter added.

The letter comes in the wake of notable absences from domestic red-ball games by players such as Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, and Deepak Chahar, who opted to skip the final round of Ranji Trophy matches to focus on IPL preparations. Kishan, for instance, was spotted training with Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya in Baroda, signalling his commitment to IPL readiness.

"Legends like Sunil Gavaskar exemplified this dedication, playing club cricket the morning they arrived from an international tour. Domestic cricket was seen not just as a commitment but as a responsibility and a source of pride," Shah emphasised. He added that playing domestic red-ball cricket is not merely a commitment but a responsibility and a source of pride for cricketers aspiring to don the national colours.

Addressing recent instances where players cited technical aspects of their game as reasons for bypassing domestic fixtures, Shah made it clear that fitness would not be an acceptable excuse. "If you are fit then no excuse will be entertained," he asserted, reiterating the board's stance on the matter.