Last Updated:
The BCCI has made it mandatory for all its players to take part in domestic cricket if and when available after shambolic defeats in the last two Test series.
BCCI has made it mandatory for all the players to play in domestic cricket. (Image: AFP)
Former Indian opening batter Aakash Chopra has described the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) new rules for domestic cricket as ‘incredible.’ The cricketer-turned-commentator recently noted that the BCCI would enforce new laws to make India’s senior team players compete in domestic cricket. Speaking about the move on his YouTube channel, Aakash said, “This is incredible because it was almost a norm for a long time.”
The retired batter also claimed the domestic scene in India deserves more importance. “This thing has started pinching slightly; told domestic cricket should have a little importance. Everyone is now being forced to go and play,” he added.
In the same video, Aakash highlighted how all physically fit players would have to perform in domestic cricket. “A rule has been made that if you are available, which means you are not playing for the Indian cricket team, aren’t injured, and the BCCI or the NCA haven’t said that they are managing your workload, you don’t have any reason to say you aren’t ready for a domestic game,” Aakash said on his channel.
The cricketer-turned-commentator claimed that there were multiple reasons for the introduction of stricter rules in the domestic cricketing scene in India. He feels that this move would not only benefit a player’s overall form but also impact Indian cricket as a whole.
“There are multiple reasons for that. Apart from your form, how much you would benefit Indian cricket and the seriousness of the game itself,” he concluded.
BCCI has been making some moves since India’s 1-3 loss in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. ESPNcricinfo recently reported that the governing body had sent a 10-point guideline document to India’s contracted men’s players. The report claimed that the document aimed to ‘promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment.’. It also came with a warning that non-compliance could result in disciplinary action, which may further lead to an expulsion from domestic cricket and the IPL.
As for the 2025 Ranji Trophy, several Indian stars have already announced their participation in the domestic tournament. Wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant will play for Delhi in the upcoming match against Saurashtra. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, is expected to compete in a Punjab shirt. There is currently no confirmation on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s participation in the Ranji Trophy.
