"Most of them are taking first-class Cricket for granted.."- Madan Lal delivers a thumping verdict on Shreyas Iyer-Ishan Kishan fiasco

Former Indian all-rounder Madan Lal lauded the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) efforts to revive first-class cricket in the country. Madan Lal highlighted that disciplinary action is necessary to ensure compliance and uphold the integrity of the sport.

The BCCI excluded Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the central contracts list for 2023-24. The board mentioned that the two youngsters were not considered for the contracts. The BCCI stated that players should play domestic cricket when not representing India.

Ishan Kishan And Shreyas Iyer Should Have Gone And Played – Madan Lal

In a conversation with TimesofIndia.com, Madan Lal emphasized the importance of playing first-class cricket. He commended the BCCI for mandating participation in first-class cricket, suggesting that players should respect the rules to maintain discipline.

“If the BCCI told them to play first-class cricket, they should have gone and played. No one is bigger than the game. The BCCI should be given the credit as they are making it mandatory to play first-class cricket. Most of the players nowadays are taking first-class cricket for granted because of the IPL.”

“Definitely, the BCCI made a rule that every player should go and play first-class cricket. So if you don’t follow the rules, then they have to take some action and set an example for others,” Madan Lal said.

Ishan Kishan has been absent from the national team since December 2023. He withdrew from India’s squad during the South African tour due to mental fatigue. He was omitted from the home series against England for not participating in the Ranji Trophy group stage.

Shreyas Iyer played the first two Tests of the five-match series against England but was subsequently dropped for the remaining matches. Despite being declared fit by the National Cricket Academy (NCA), the right-handed batter chose to skip the Ranji Trophy.

BCCI Making Sure That The Boys Are Disciplined – Madan Lal

Madan Lal acknowledged the talent of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, but their exclusion from central contracts reflects the board’s commitment to discipline. The former pacer emphasized that players should participate in first-class cricket if they’re fit.

“They have to play (first-class cricket) if they are fit. The main thing is fitness. If they are fit, then they can play the first-class season. But a good season in IPL can always be beneficial, and there is no doubt about their class. They have done so well here and there. But it is the BCCI making sure that the boys are disciplined,” Lal added.

Shreyas Iyer is set to play for Mumbai in the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024 semifinal against Tamil Nadu, while Ishan Kishan’s team, Jharkhand, didn’t qualify for the playoffs. The wicketkeeper-batter is currently participating in the DY Patil T20 Cup in Mumbai.

Dhruv Jurel has emerged as a significant performer in the ongoing Test series against England. The 23-year-old has cemented his position in the Test format. He could potentially position himself as a contender for India’s squad in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Also read: IND vs PAK: “Sure That They Will Win The Asia Cup But In World Cup..” – Madan Lal Makes A Bold Prediction