Ranji Trophy vs IPL: BCCI could make playing 3-4 Ranji games mandatory for IPL participation

BCCI is reportedly set to make a big change to tackle the fear of top cricketers skipping Ranji Trophy matches in favour of preparing for the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Ranji Trophy vs IPL debate has taken centre stage since India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan decided to skip the domestic matches after being released from Team India squad. Kishan was released midway through South Africa tour reportedly due to "mental fatigue" . However, Kishan has not played any of the Ranji Trophy matches for Jharkhand since leaving the Team India camp and is reportedly training in Baroda with his Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya and former teammate Krunal. Jharkhand have played five Ranji matches since India’s tour of South Africa came to an end. Kishan skipping the Ranji matches and training in Baroda with an eye on the IPL 2024 has not gone down well with the top brass of BCCI, as per news agency PTI. While it has been reported that BCCI has already asked Kishan to play Jharkhand’s last group league game in Ranji Trophy against Rajasthan, starting February 16, the Indian cricket board is reportedly also planning to make a minimum number of Ranji Trophy games mandatory for players to become eligible for IPL auction. “The decision makers in BCCI are well aware that some players don’t want to play any red ball cricket. If they are out of Indian team, they would at best play a few Mushtaq Ali T20 games and then not report for state team duty during red ball season,” a senior BCCI official told news agency PTI. “To rein in such players, board in all likelihood will make it mandatory to play 3-4 Ranji Trophy games, failing which, they can’t play IPL or even appear in IPL auction if released by their franchise. “The state units feel unless the diktat comes from top of BCCI, some of the young stars will treat Ranji Trophy with disdain.” PTI also reported that Team India management is unhappy with a few players who are not interested in playing in Ranji Trophy despite being fit. “We can understand Hardik Pandya’s case as his body can’t take the rigours of red ball cricket. He can’t withstand the workload of Test cricket and India needs him fit for ICC events. “But some of the other youngsters, whenever you call them, they will cite that they are currently doing physio work. There needs to be a stop somewhere,” the official said. The BCCI official, however, confirmed that there’s no discussion on removing Kishan from BCCI’s annual contract list. The Ranchi cricketer has a grade C annual contract of Rs 1 crore. “No discussions have taken place as of now regarding central contracts.”