Former Indian national cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri dropped his reaction to the recently announced BCCI central contracts for the 2023-24 season (October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024).
This time, several players got their first contracts with the BCCI, including the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Mukesh Kumar and Ravi Bishnoi. Furthermore, unfortunately some players also lost their contracts.
The biggest surprise of the announcement was the removal of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the central contract list. The duo were permanent members of the Indian team and even participated in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 at home.
However, a decision was taken to remove them from the contract list after they did not follow the BCCI’s directive to participate in domestic red-ball cricket. Kishan was not available for selection as he took a break during the tour of South Africa in December 2023 and did not feature in any domestic matches, although he recently returned in the DY Patil T20 Cup.
Meanwhile, Iyer was dropped from India’s Test team for the last three matches against England and the BCCI wanted him to take part in the Ranji Trophy matches, which he did not do. Even though the NCA declared him fit, he termed back pain as the reason why he did not participate in the Ranji Trophy. However, he has now been included in Mumbai’s squad for the semi-final against Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri used his official name
“A big round of applause to @BCCI and @JayShah for the revolutionary move with the ‘fast bowling’ contracts. A crucial step in the preparation for Down Under later this year. “The emphasis on Test cricket and domestic cricket is a powerful message that sets the right tone for the future of our beloved sport!” wrote former Indian national cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri in its official name X.
A big round of applause to @BCCI and @JayShah for the revolutionary move with ‘fast bowling’ contracts. A crucial step in the preparation for Down Under later this year. The emphasis on Test Cricket and Domestic Cricket is a powerful message that sets the right tone for the future of our beloved…
– Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 28, 2024
Go deeper, face challenges and come back even stronger – Ravi Shastri
In his next tweet, Shastri directly reacted to Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan’s contractual snub. He motivated the players to make a strong comeback and stated that their past achievements prove that they can dominate again.
“In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Cheer up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Go deeper, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements say it all and I have no doubt that you will conquer once again,” Shastri wrote in his next tweet.
In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Cheer up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Go deeper, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements say it all and I have no doubt that you will conquer once again.
– Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 28, 2024
After Ravi Shastri, former Indian national cricket team wicketkeeper-batsman Deep Dasgupta also praised the BCCI for promoting domestic red-ball cricket and giving separate contracts to fast bowlers.
“It is heartwarming to see the @BCCI emphasizing the importance of red-ball cricket, especially in the domestic circuit. Also the separate contract for the next generation of fast bowlers is a great idea.
Refreshing to see the @BCCI emphasizing the importance of red-ball cricket, especially on the domestic circuit. Also the separate contract for the next generation of fast bowlers is a great idea.
– Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) February 28, 2024
Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are reportedly unlikely to be considered for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and there is a question mark over their return to India.