Sourav Ganguly expresses concern over Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer's oversight in basic premise

Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly has supported the decision made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to remove Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from their central contracts. Kishan hasn’t played since he withdrew from the Test squad during the South Africa tour in December 2023.

Meanwhile, Iyer was declared fit to play by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after having back stiffness but didn’t participate in matches for either the Indian team or his domestic team Mumbai.

Sourav Ganguly said in the support of BCCI

“I think the BCCI wants them to play first class cricket. I am surprised why Shreyas Iyer has not played Ranji Trophy. It is a premier tournament and you are supposed to play. So, it is a decision by BCCI and what they have thought right they have done. Every contracted cricketer must play first class cricket because that is the basic premise of cricket in this country.”

He also added, “You are supposed to play first class cricket. Once you are a contracted player, you are expected to play the Premier tournament. Shreyas Iyer is playing the semi-final for Mumbai in a couple of days’ time. Yes, they are young people and Ishan has surprised me. He was part of the Indian team in all formats. Such a big contract in IPL. I don’t know why he has done that. You must play especially when you are as gifted as Ishan Kishan. When you are playing for India in all formats, you must play. I was surprised by his decision not to.” 

BCCI took decision to axe Kishan and Iyer

Even though the BCCI didn’t specify the reasons for axing Kishan and Iyer from their contracts, there are reports suggesting it could be because they didn’t play domestic cricket.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah wrote a letter to centrally contracted players, warning them not to prioritize the Indian Premier League (IPL) over domestic cricket and national commitments. Shah emphasized that those who don’t adhere to the BCCI’s directives will face serious consequences.

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However, both Kishan and Iyer didn’t play for their respective state teams. Kishan was seen training with Hardik Pandya and his brother Krunal Pandya ahead of the IPL 2024 season.

Similarly, Iyer missed the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals for Mumbai as he was reportedly attending Kolkata Knight Riders’ training camp for the IPL 2024.

Ganguly supported the BCCI’s decision to drop both players, expressing surprise and disappointment that Kishan and Iyer chose to skip domestic matches.