"I congratulate the BCCI for taking the much needed step to protect the status of domestic cricket. I was sad to see domestic cricket being given the skip by players once they had established themselves in international cricket," the captain of the 1983 World Cup-winning side observed in his statement
Kapil Dev (Pic: File Pic)
Former India's legendary captain Kapil Dev on Friday backed BCCI's decision to terminate central contracts of players for not showing interest in domestic cricket. He said, "A few players will suffer, but let it be."
Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were excluded from the BCCI's central contracts due to ignorance of the board's orders to play in Ranji Trophy matches. The decision evoked mixed reactions with some former players like Kirti Azad and Irfan Pathan backing the out-of-favour duo.
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Kapil refrained from taking names but said the BCCI's decision to assert the importance of domestic cricket was long overdue.
"Yes, few players will suffer, kuch logon ko taqleef hogi, hone do lekin desh se badhkar koi nahi hai (some people will feel hurt but let it be because nobody is bigger than the country). Well done," he said.
"I congratulate the BCCI for taking the much needed step to protect the status of domestic cricket. I was sad to see domestic cricket being given the skip by players once they had established themselves in international cricket," the captain of the 1983 World Cup-winning side observed in his statement.
Ishan Kishan was strictly told by the BCCI to play Ranji Trophy matches. The 25-year-old ignored the board's diktat and did not turn up for Jharkhand throughout the team's campaign in the Ranji Trophy. He opted out of India's squad during the South Africa tour citing personal reasons. The left-hander began to prepare for the Indian Premier League 2024.
Shreyas Iyer was not available for Mumbai's Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Baroda despite being released from India's test squad against England. Somehow, he has been added to Mumbai's squad for the semi-final against Tamil Nadu starting from March 2.
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"It was high time the message was given and this strong step by the BCCI will go a long way in restoring the prestige of domestic cricket," he added.
Kapil asserted that it was the duty of established stars to play domestic cricket as they owe their success to their respective states.
"I have always believed in the process of international players making themselves available to play for their respective states. It helps them extend their support to domestic players. Also it is a nice way to pay back for the services rendered by the state association in grooming a player," he said.
Kapil also expressed his gratitude to the BCCI for enhancing the pension of former cricketers, saying it has come as a major relief to families of several yesteryear players.
In 2022, the board had announced a hike in the monthly pensions of former cricketers -- both men and women. Former first-class men's cricketers, who earlier got Rs 15,000 per month are now getting Rs 30,000, while former Test players, who got Rs 37,500, are now getting Rs 60,000.
Women international players, who received Rs 30,000 prior to the revision are now receiving Rs 52,500, while first-class cricketers who retired before 2003 and were getting Rs 22,500 are now getting Rs 45,000.
"I am also happy that the BCCI has increased the pension amount of the players. This was a much needed boost to those whose family depends on the pension received," added Kapil.
(With PTI Inputs)
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