Legendary former India captain Kapil Dev supported the BCCI's decision to terminate central contracts due to noncommittal to domestic cricket on Friday, stating that "a few players will suffer, but let it be" and that it was an essential action to safeguard first-class crickets such as the Ranji Trophy. On Wednesday, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were cut off from the BCCI's core contracts for defying the board's order to participate in the Ranji Trophy. Reactions to the decision were divided; former players Kirti Azad and Irfan Pathan, for example, supported the out-of-favour pair.
While refusing to identify names, Kapil said it was long past for the BCCI to declare the value of domestic cricket.
Yes, few players will suffer, kuch logon ko taqleef hogi, hone do lekin desh se badhkar koi nahi hai (some people will feel hurt but let it be because nobody is bigger than the country). Well done.
~he said
I congratulate the BCCI for taking the much-needed step to protect the status of domestic cricket. I was sad to see domestic cricket being given the skip by players once they had established themselves in international cricket.
~the captain of the 1983 World Cup-winning side observed in his statement
The players were urged by the BCCI to give domestic contests the attention they deserve during the announcement of the central contracts.
Kishan, 25, left the South Africa trip in December, citing personal reasons, thus he was not on national service, but he did not play for Jharkhand during the team's Ranji Trophy campaign. Instead, he concentrated on getting ready for his team, the Mumbai Indians, for the Indian Premier League, which begins next month.
However, Iyer did not declare himself available for Mumbai's Ranji quarterfinal match against Baroda, having been left out of the Indian squad following the second Test match against England. However, he has been selected for the Ranji semifinal match between Mumbai and Tamil Nadu, which begins on March 2.
It was high time the message was given and this strong step by the BCCI will go a long way in restoring the prestige of domestic cricket.
~he added
Since established stars owe their success to their states, Kapil said that it was their duty to play domestic cricket.
I have always believed in the process of international players making themselves available to play for their respective states. It helps them extend their support to domestic players. Also, it is a nice way to pay back for the services rendered by the state association in grooming a player.
~he said
Additionally, Kapil thanked the BCCI for raising former cricket players' pensions, stating that this has greatly relieved the families of several former players.
The board declared in 2022 that retired cricket players' monthly compensation would be increased for both men and women.
Former men's first-class cricket players now receive Rs 30,000 per month, compared to Rs 15,000 previously, and former Test players, who received Rs 37,500, are now paid Rs 60,000.
Before the modification, women's international cricket players were paid Rs 30,000; these players are now paid Rs 52,500. First-class cricketers who retired before 2003 were paid Rs 22,500; they are now paid Rs 45,000.
I am also happy that the BCCI has increased the pension amount of the players. This was a much-needed boost to those whose family depended on the pension received.
~added Kapil
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