'Not going to tolerate any tantrums' - Jay Shah's no-nonsense directive to centrally contracted players regarding domestic cricket

The secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jay Shah, has issued a stern warning to all centrally contracted players. He emphasised the importance of participating in red-ball domestic cricket to remain in contention for national team selection. Shah highlighted that decisions regarding player participation in red-ball tournaments would be made in consultation with the National Cricket Academy (NCA). 

He made it clear that the board would not "tolerate any tantrums" from young players who are physically fit. The directive comes amidst speculation around Ishan Kishan, who opted out of international duties mid-tour and subsequently skipped Ranji Trophy 2024 matches to focus on preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.

“They (players) have been informed on phone already and I’m going to write letters as well that if your chairman of selectors, your coach and your captain are asking for it then you will have to play red-ball cricket. He [Ishan Kishan] is a youngster… there is no need to mention his name. It applies to everyone. Everyone under the contract and the ones being targeted too. All players will have no choice but to play domestic cricket,” said Shah as quoted by News18.

“Whatever advice we get from the NCA, say suppose somebody’s body is not able to handle both white-ball and red-ball cricket, so we do not want to impose anything in that regard. (It applies to) whoever is fit and young. we are not going to tolerate any other tantrums. This message is for all centrally contracted players and targeted players too. Everyone will have to play, otherwise, the chairman of the selection committee has given me his suggestions and I am going to give him a free hand to let him take his own calls freely,” he added.

Jay Shah confirms Rohit leading Indian Team in T20 World Cup 2024

In a decisive announcement, BCCI secretary has officially named Rohit Sharma as the captain of Team India for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in West Indies and the USA from June. Shah expressed confidence in Sharma's leadership, stating the belief that India will clinch the T20 World Cup under his guidance. The confirmation brings an end to the uncertainty surrounding the T20I captaincy, with Hardik Pandya having led the side for over a year before Rohit Sharma reassumed the role during the Afghanistan T20Is.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma's reaction after Jay Shah confirms 2024 T20 World Cup captaincy goes viral