BCCI Drops Central Contracts for all 7 players. Among them is a player who has played over 100 Test matches. With these players excluded from central contracts, questions arise about the future of their cricketing careers.
BCCI Drops Central Contracts 7 Players
| Player | Grade |
|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan | Grade C |
| Shreyas Iyer | Grade B |
| Cheteshwar Pujara | Grade B |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Grade C |
| Shikhar Dhawan | Grade C |
| Deepak Hooda | Grade C |
| Umesh Yadav | Grade B |
Young wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, along with 6 other players, has been dropped from BCCI’s annual contract list. The contract spanned from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. The excluded players, apart from Ishan and Shreyas, include experienced batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shikhar Dhawan, Deepak Hooda, and Umesh Yadav.
Except for Shikhar Dhawan, who was dropped earlier, the remaining 6 players played their last international matches in 2023. With their exclusion from central contracts, speculations about their careers are rife. People are questioning whether these players’ cricketing journeys have come to an end.
Shreyas Iyer was in Grade B, while Ishan had a Grade C contract, both of which they have now lost. This translates to a loss of INR 3 crores annually for Shreyas and INR 1 crore for Ishan. Ishan’s last international match was on November 28, 2023, in a T20 format, while Shreyas played his final Test match against England on February 5, 2023, in Visakhapatnam.
Shreyas had scored a century in the World Cup semi-final and became the first Indian to amass 500-plus runs in a World Cup edition. He has also served as vice-captain in several series. Social media is abuzz with discussions, questioning if these players will ever get another chance to play. However, some are hopeful that they might make a comeback.
Alarm Bells for Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara, once referred to as the new wall of Team India, has also lost his BCCI Drops Central Contracts Grade B. Despite performing well in the Ranji Trophy, he has been excluded from the central contract. Pujara has played 103 Tests and 5 ODIs. The Saurashtra player, once hailed as the new wall of Team India, has been left out. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has also been dropped from the BCCI Drops Central Contracts Grade C. Chahal has been out of the team for a long time.
Contract Revoked for T20 Centurion All-rounder
Opener Shikhar Dhawan and all-rounder Deepak Hooda have also lost their BCCI Drops Central Contracts Grade C. Dhawan has been away from Team India for a long time, with his last international match played in 2022. Deepak Hooda had earned a good reputation in 2021-22. Despite consistently being in the T20 team, he was dropped due to poor form and has now lost his contract. Experienced fast bowler Umesh Yadav, who has been part of the Test team for the past few years, has also been excluded from the contract. He had a Grade B contract.
Conclusion
The decision by BCCI Drops Central Contracts for all 7 players, including seasoned veterans and promising talents, has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community. With careers hanging in the balance, speculation runs rampant about the future of these players in international cricket.
FAQ
Why were these players dropped from central contracts?
The specific reasons for the players’ exclusion from central contracts have not been officially disclosed by BCCI. However, it could be attributed to factors such as performance, form, team dynamics, and future planning.
Can these players still represent India in international cricket?
Yes, the exclusion from central contracts does not necessarily mean the end of their international careers. Players can still be selected for national duty based on their performances in domestic cricket and other relevant criteria.
What are the financial implications for these players?
Losing central contracts means a loss of annual income for the affected players. The financial impact varies depending on the grade of the contract and individual earnings.