Kapil Dev 'happy' with BCCI's strict central contract action

Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev recently endorsed the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decisive actions, specifically addressing players of the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan. They recently lost their central contracts due to alleged reluctance to partake in domestic cricket matches of the ongoing Ranji Trophy.

Kapil Dev expressed happiness that the cricket board prioritised first-class cricket for the benefit of the country, acknowledging that some players may face difficulties but, would emphasize the importance of the nation's welfare in the long run. Notably, the absence of Iyer and Kishan from the recent central contract list raised eyebrows, considering they were categorised under Grade B and Grade C last year, respectively.

"I am so happy that the cricket board has taken a step forward for first-class cricket. The boys must play that, it's good for the country. Whatever is good for the country, I feel happy about that. Yes, few players will suffer...kuch ko takleef hogi...hone do, lekin desh se badhkar koi nahi hai. Well done.," Kapil Dev was quoted as saying by Times of India.

No one is bigger than the game: Madan Lal

Kapil Dev's 1983 World Cup teammate, Madan Lal, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that players should adhere to the BCCI's directives and actively participate in first-class games. Lal also stressed that players ought to follow the BCCI's decree to play first-class cricket, asserting that no individual holds precedence over the holy game. 

"If the BCCI told them to play first-class cricket, they should have gone and played. No one is bigger than the game. The BCCI should be given the credit as they are making it mandatory to play first-class cricket. Most of the players nowadays are taking first-class cricket for granted because of the IPL," Lal said.

Also Read: Why BCCI released Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer but retained Hardik Pandya in central contracts list?

Lal underscored the importance of setting an example, stating that many cricketers nowadays take domestic cricket lightly due to the prominence and prestige of the IPL.

"Definitely, the BCCI made a rule that every player should go and play first-class cricket. So if you don't follow the rules, then they have to take some action and set an example for others," he added.

As Iyer gears up for the Ranji Trophy 2024 semifinal against Tamil Nadu and Ishan returns to action in the DY Patil T20 Cup in Mumbai, the BCCI's unyielding stance on prioritising first-class cricket continues to garner patronage from legends of the game.