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Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has found himself amid controversies after he cited “travel fatigue” as the reason of withdrawal from the Test squad during India's tour of South Africa. However, he is reportedly yet to make himself available for selection, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is mulling to make amendments with player’s pattern of eligibility.
In the latest turn of events, BCCI has prompted to make minimum number of Ranji Trophy games mandatory for players in order to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ishan Kishan, who continues to be a contracted player of the BCCI has reportedly been instructed to play Jharkhand’s last group league match against Rajasthan, starting February 15, or else his contract could be under fire.
On being asked if Ishan Kishan would find himself out of the BCCI contract, a senior BCCI official told PTI, “No discussions have taken place as of now regarding central contracts.” “The decision makers in BCCI are well aware that some players don’t want to play any red ball cricket. If they are out of Indian team, they would at best play a few Mushtaq Ali T20 game and then not to report for state team duty during red ball season,” the BCCI official further added, speaking on the conditions of anonymity.
Team India needs him fit: BCCI official calls Hardik Pandya’s case different
With Ishan Kishan being in the cusp of controversy, there were a few eyebrows raised over Hardik Pandya’s return as well. Speaking of Pandya, who is nursing as injury he sustained midway during the ODI World Cup 2023 in India, a BCCI official was quoted saying by TOI, “We can understand Hardik Pandya’s case as his body can’t take the rigors of red-ball cricket.”
The BCCI official further emphasized that Hardik Pandya’s fitness needs to be preserved for ICC events, stating, “He can’t withstand the workload of Test cricket and Team India needs him fit for ICC events.”
However, both Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan are now likely to return for IPL 2024 as they were seen practicing together.
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