Jay Shah warns top stars of severe implications if they miss domestic red-ball games

The BCCI’s (Board of Control for Cricket in India) secretary, Jay Shah, recently wrote a letter to Indian players, both centrally contracted and for India A as well, saying that the domestic red-ball tournaments remain a crucial yardstick for selection, and the players skipping out on them will have strict action taken against them.

The letter comes in the context of several players prioritising the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the Ranji Trophy, and in the letter, Shah opined that the shift in the trend was not anticipated and that domestic cricket should always be the priority for an Indian cricketer.

“There is a recent trend that has started to emerge and is a cause for concern. Some players have begun prioritising the IPL over domestic cricket, a shift that was not anticipated. Domestic cricket has always been the foundation upon which Indian cricket stands, and it has never been undervalued in our vision for the sport,” Shah wrote in the letter.

“Our vision for Indian cricket has been clear from the outset: every cricketer aspiring to play for India must prove themselves in domestic cricket. Performance in domestic cricket remains a critical yardstick for selection, and non-participation in domestic cricket will carry severe implications,” he added.

Domestic cricket was seen not just as a commitment but as a responsibility: Shah

The letter comes after star Indian batter Ishan Kishan recently missed the Ranji Trophy clashes in order to stay fit for the IPL. The 25-year-old’s decision caused many former cricketers to give their takes on the matter, and it is worth noting that the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Deepak Chahar have also skipped the final round of Ranji Trophy matches that started on Friday.

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In his letter, Shah cited the examples of former Indian cricketers and how they took every opportunity they got to represent their side in domestic cricket.

“Legends like Sunil Gavaskar exemplified this dedication, playing club cricket the morning they arrived from an international tour. Domestic cricket was seen not just as a commitment but as a responsibility and a source of pride,” Shah wrote.