Jay Shah warns domestic and List A players of 'severe implications' for not featuring in Ranji Trophy matches

The Indian Cricket Board, secretary Jay Shah has been in the headlines for some time. Shah has written a letter to all centrally contracted players as well as to those playing for India A, that everyone needs to participate in the domestic matches and not following the rule will have ‘severe implications’. The warning comes after India wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan missed the ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Jharkhand, despite repeated reminders. 

The secretary previously stated, that the board will not 'tolerate the tantrums', and that young players who are not injured must play red-ball cricket for their state teams. He has been in the news for a while because he chose to skip the Ranji Trophy instead of personal preparation ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The left-handed batter was spotted with the Pandya brothers Hardik and Krunal for practice. 

There have been disciplinary issues with Southpaw which has been the reason for the board has decided to take such actions. The reason for writing a letter is that the players nowadays are prioritising, IPL ahead of domestic cricket. He believes wrote that while the board is proud of the IPL’s popularity and success, players must prioritise domestic red-ball games. 

A cause for concern: Jay Shah

Shah’s letter read, "There is a recent trend that has started to emerge and is a cause for concern. Some players have begun prioritising the IPL over domestic cricket, a shift that was not anticipated. Domestic cricket has always been the foundation upon which Indian cricket stands, and it has never been undervalued in our vision for the sport."

"Our vision for Indian cricket has been clear from the outset – every cricketer aspiring to play for India must prove themselves in domestic cricket. Performance in domestic cricket remains a critical yardstick for selection and non-participation in domestic cricket will carry severe implications." It also shares the board’s concerns about "the health and status of our domestic cricket."