BCCI Slams Selectors Over Exclusion of Top Players
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed its strong displeasure with the South Zone selectors for excluding several top international players, including KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj, from their squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy. The board has now issued a formal directive to all state associations, reminding them to prioritize the selection of centrally contracted players for the prestigious domestic tournament.
Controversial Squad Announcement
The controversy began when the South Zone announced its squad for the domestic season opener, leaving out a host of available star players. This decision did not sit well with the BCCI, which views the Duleep Trophy as a premier competition that should feature the country's best talent. In response, the BCCI's General Manager of Cricket Operations, Abey Kuruvilla, sent an email to all zonal convenors. The communication emphasized that to uphold the tournament's prestige, it is "imperative that all currently available India players are selected."
A Clash of Priorities
This directive reinforces the BCCI's long-standing policy that requires international players to participate in domestic cricket when not on national duty. The board has been particularly firm on this issue recently, warning players against prioritizing the IPL over first-class cricket.
However, the situation also highlights a recurring point of friction. State associations have often argued that when star players are parachuted into zonal squads, it comes at the expense of domestic performers who have played consistently throughout the season. Despite this, the BCCI's stance is clear: national players must participate unless they have a valid reason and prior approval. It remains to be seen if the South Zone selectors will revise their squad in light of the board's strong intervention.
