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Irfan Pathan raises concerns over BCCI's contract decisions for Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan

Expressing his thoughts on X, Pathan queries whether players like Hardik, who refrain from red-ball cricket, should be involved in white-ball domestic tournaments when not on national duty.

By Omar | Feb 29, 2024 | 2 Min Read

Former Indian fast bowler, Irfan Pathan, has voiced apprehensions regarding the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) choice to withhold central contracts from Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. Pathan questions the inconsistency in evaluating players like Hardik Pandya, who, despite not participating in red-ball cricket, secured a Grade A contract. The BCCI terminated contracts for Kishan and Iyer recently, contrasting Pandya’s Grade A contract, even though he hasn’t played Test cricket since 2018.

Expressing his thoughts on X, Pathan queries whether players like Hardik, who refrain from red-ball cricket, should be involved in white-ball domestic tournaments when not on national duty. He emphasizes the necessity for uniform criteria in Indian cricket to achieve desired results.

Kishan, aged 25, chose not to participate in Jharkhand’s Ranji Trophy campaign, focusing instead on preparations for the upcoming IPL. Meanwhile, Iyer, recuperating from a groin injury and excluded from the Indian team, missed Mumbai’s Ranji quarterfinal but is set to lead the Kolkata Knight Riders in the forthcoming IPL.

Despite the exclusion of Iyer and Kishan being seen as a strong message to aspiring cricketers prioritizing white-ball and IPL success over first-class cricket, Pathan remains hopeful about their comeback, recognizing their talent.

Ravi Shastri, former coach of the Indian cricket team, also stood in support of Iyer and Kishan, highlighting the resilience and comeback spirit inherent in cricket. Shastri encouraged both players to confront challenges, assuring that their previous achievements are a testament to their capabilities.