The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a firm directive to state cricket associations, instructing them to include centrally-contracted players in their Duleep Trophy squads. This decision comes in response to the surprising omission of high-profile players, including Mohammed Siraj and KL Rahul, from the South Zone team for the upcoming tournament. According to a report by The Indian Express, the BCCI sent an email to select associations, addressing the exclusion of these contracted cricketers, along with others like Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna, and Sai Sudharsan.
Emphasis on Tournament Prestige
Abey Kuruvilla, the BCCI’s general manager for cricket operations, underscored the need to uphold the Duleep Trophy’s prestige by fielding the strongest possible teams. In the email, accessed by The Indian Express, Kuruvilla wrote, “To maintain the Duleep Trophy’s stature and ensure the highest level of competition, it is critical that all available Indian players are selected for their respective zonal teams.” He urged zonal convenors to ensure the participation of all eligible national players in the tournament.
State Associations’ Concerns
Despite the BCCI’s directive, some state associations have expressed reservations. They argue that international cricketers should compete in India A or Board President’s XI matches rather than domestic tournaments like the Duleep or Deodhar Trophy. The concern is that the inclusion of prominent players often sidelines domestic performers who have consistently excelled, limiting their opportunities to shine on a larger stage.
BCCI’s 2024 Domestic Participation Policy
In 2024, the BCCI introduced a clear policy mandating that centrally-contracted players participate in domestic competitions unless they are on international duty. As a result, top players such as Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohammed Shami, and Shreyas Iyer have already been included in Duleep Trophy squads, aligning with the board’s directive.
Strict Guidelines for Player Participation
The BCCI has outlined strict guidelines to enforce participation in domestic tournaments. The policy states, “All players, whether under contract or otherwise, who are available for Team India selection must participate in BCCI-organized domestic matches. Players who opt out without prior approval from the national coach, the chairman of the selection committee, and the BCCI will be ineligible for national selection. Any leave requests must be supported by valid and compelling reasons.”
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