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BCCI planning measures to stop players from skipping international matches
What's the story
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly working on introducing a new clause in players' central contracts.
The move comes in response to the growing trend of players pulling out of national duty without valid reasons.
This initiative was prompted by incidents such as Rohit Sharma missing the Perth Test despite being the captain and Ravichandran Ashwin retiring mid-series during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after being dropped from the team.
Contract stipulations
New clause demands strong justification for withdrawal
The proposed clause in the central contracts will mandate players to present a valid medical or personal reason before withdrawing from a series.
An official privy to the discussions told Cricblogger, "Once selected, a player must be available unless there's an unavoidable emergency."
This move is a response to recent instances where senior players like Virat Kohli and skipper Sharma took paternity leaves, disrupting team plans at the last minute.
Domestic participation
BCCI considers making domestic cricket mandatory
In addition to the new clause, the BCCI is considering making domestic cricket participation mandatory for all contracted players.
This measure aims to discourage players from prioritizing T20 leagues or workload management over domestic tournaments.
The board believes that regular appearances by senior players in events like the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy will not only enhance the importance of these competitions but also help players maintain match fitness when not engaged in international fixtures.
National duty
BCCI's policy aims to prioritize national duty
The BCCI's proposed policy changes are aimed at sending a clear message to younger cricketers looking to play for India—that national duty comes first.
The board is committed to restoring discipline, ensuring that withdrawing from a match is no longer a personal choice but requires a strong and valid justification.
This highlights the board's commitment towards prioritizing national representation over individual player preferences or commitments.