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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled the Annual Player Contracts for Team India (Senior Men) for the 2023-24 season, revealing both anticipated retentions and surprising exclusions.
Surprise exclusions: Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan
Notably, the announcement saw the absence of established cricketers Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from any category. While stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja maintained their positions in the top tier (Group A+), Iyer and Kishan did not secure a contract.
Background on exclusions
The circumstances leading to the exclusion of Iyer and Kishan offer some context to their absence from the contract list. Kishan, who last represented India during the South Africa tour, decided to opt out of Jharkhand’s Ranji Trophy matches, citing personal reasons despite not being on national duty at the time of the matches.
Similarly, Iyer, after being dropped from the Indian team post the England series, made the decision to not participate in Mumbai’s Ranji quarterfinal against Baroda. However, it’s worth noting that Iyer has been selected for the upcoming Ranji semifinals.
Also READ: BCCI announces central contracts for 2023-24 season; no place for Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer
Ravi Shastri’s special message
Amidst these developments, former India coach Ravi Shastri took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the situation and offer words of encouragement to Iyer and Kishan.
“In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you’ll conquer once again,” Shastri tweeted.
In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you'll conquer once again.
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 28, 2024
Not to mention, during the unveiling of the central contracts, the BCCI reiterated its advice to all Indian cricketers, urging them to participate in domestic matches during periods when they are not representing the national team.
