Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a directive requiring all-star cricketers to participate in domestic cricket whenever they are free from national duties, with exceptions for senior players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah.
This move underscores the BCCI’s commitment to enhancing the role of domestic cricket in maintaining player form and competitive edge. In a significant change, the national selection committee will now be responsible for picking teams for the Duleep Trophy, replacing the zonal selection committee.
The directive mandates that Test specialists play in at least one or two Duleep Trophy games in August to prepare for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. This preparation is deemed essential for the players’ readiness for international matches.
The emphasis on domestic cricket is seen as a crucial measure to ensure that players remain in peak form. While most players are required to participate, the BCCI acknowledges the need to manage the workload of senior players by allowing them to choose their involvement.
“This balanced approach aims to keep key team members rested while ensuring others hone their skills through domestic competitions,” a BCCI official stated. The focus on domestic cricket is expected to bolster the overall quality of Indian cricket, ensuring that players are consistently competitive and ready for international challenges.