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The recent underperformance of the Indian cricket team in the Border Gavaskar Trophy and the New Zealand Test series has prompted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to implement significant changes. A key element of this restructuring is the mandatory participation of all Indian cricketers in domestic cricket during periods without international matches. This decision, announced by the Indian coach during a press conference, aims to enhance the players' skills and maintain a high level of competitive readiness. While several prominent players, including Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer have already fulfilled this requirement by participating in Ranji Trophy matches, the return of Virat Kohli to the domestic circuit has generated considerable buzz. Kohli, after a 13-year absence, is set to play for Delhi against Railways in Rajkot, showcasing a commitment to the BCCI's new policy.
However, this new policy has faced significant criticism from unexpected quarters. Former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif has publicly denounced the BCCI's actions, accusing the board of specifically targeting Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. In an interview with IANS, Latif argued that the demanding international schedule leaves little room for domestic competition, and that forcing players like Kohli and Sharma, who have already achieved considerable success on the international stage, to participate is counterproductive. He emphasized that the upcoming white-ball series against England and the Champions Trophy 2025 require the players' full focus and energy, and that participating in domestic matches would detract from this essential preparation. Latif further highlighted the fact that many successful Indian cricketers, with the exception of Sachin Tendulkar, have not relied heavily on domestic cricket to maintain their international form. He points to Kohli and Sharma's success in major tournaments like the T20 World Cup and the ODI World Cup, underscoring their ability to perform at the highest level without extensive domestic participation.
Latif's statement raises critical questions about the balance between domestic and international cricket. While the BCCI's intention to improve the overall quality of Indian cricket is understandable, the implementation of this policy has exposed a potential conflict of interest. The argument that Kohli and Sharma's presence in domestic matches would significantly benefit the overall team is debatable, especially considering their already packed schedules and the need for focused preparation for upcoming major tournaments. The implication of 'targeting' specific players, as suggested by Latif, further fuels the controversy. This controversy highlights the tensions inherent in managing the careers of high-profile international athletes, the demands of a packed international schedule, and the importance of maintaining a balance between international performance and domestic competition. The effectiveness of the BCCI's new policy in achieving its stated goals remains to be seen, and the ongoing debate emphasizes the complexity of managing elite athletic careers within the framework of national sporting structures.
The case of Virat Kohli's return to the Ranji Trophy after such a long absence further complicates matters. While Kohli's decision demonstrates a willingness to comply with the BCCI's directives and maintain his commitment to the team, the underlying circumstances and potential implications need to be considered. A minor injury which caused his withdrawal from a match indicates that his participation may not be totally seamless or without its own challenges. This underscores the importance of carefully considering the physical and mental well-being of players in the context of demanding schedules and the potential for injury from increased playing time. Furthermore, the age and experience of Kohli and Sharma are also relevant factors. These veterans have a proven track record of success and their energy and focus need to be carefully managed to maximize their impact in the coming international engagements. The balance between preserving their form and health and complying with new domestic mandates is a fine line the BCCI needs to navigate with utmost care.
Source: Ex-Pakistan cricketer slams BCCI, accuses Indian board of targeting Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma