BCCI sends email to players, makes it mandatory for them to play Ranji Trophy

In a bid to instill discipline among players, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sent emails to players who are not currently part of the national squad or undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, to participate in the next round of Ranji Trophy matches commencing on February 16.

It is a direct action against players who are avoiding domestic cricket and waiting for the Indian Premier League (IPL) to start.

"Players cannot simply prioritize international cricket or the IPL. They must make themselves available for domestic cricket and honour their commitments to their respective state teams," a BCCI official familiar with the decision told Cricbuzz.

The ruling may be directed towards players like Ishan Kishan, Krunal Pandya, Deepk Chahar and a few others. Ishan took a break from international cricket in December 2023 and hasn't played any Ranji Trophy game for Jharkhand since then. He however, was seen training with the Pandya brothers in Baroda.

Despite backlash, Ishan has stuck to his choice to focus on IPL preparations.