New Delhi: On one hand, BCCI is facing criticism from cricket fans who are terming them selective in their approach towards selecting the players in the Central Contract list, on the other hand, the Indian Cricket Board is drawing praise from all quarters for their landmark move to promote fast bowling in the country.
The BCCI, on Wednesday, released the new annual Central Contract list, which had some notable absentees. The Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer saga took a turn for the worse as both players were axed from the 30-player list after failing to meet the demands of BCCI’s new mandate of prioritising domestic red-ball cricket.
Following the release of the list, fans on social media questioned the decision-making of the board. Fans slammed BCCI for giving favourable treatment to Hardik Pandya, who despite being out injured for four months, was included in the Grade A category.
While BCCI faced allegations of applying different rules to different players, they were also lauded for a historic decision.
For the first time in Indian cricket’s history, the selection committee recommended separate contracts for fast bowlers. The names that were recommended in the special category were: Akash Deep, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal, and Vidwath Kaverappa.
The excellent initiative won praise from fans and former cricketers, who hailed the visionary step taken by the BCCI.
I’m happy that Umran Malik hasn’t been completely forgotten, and is still in the mix for a fast bowlers contract #BCCI ##ShreyasIyer #IshanKishan pic.twitter.com/2GyzllEqgg
— Cricketism (@MidnightMusinng) February 28, 2024
BCCI just made a special category for fast bowlers in central contracts – the first time ever. Congrats to Akash Deep, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal, and Vidwath Kaverappa for getting these contracts. pic.twitter.com/BuEEK8N79a
— Jawahar Bishnoi (@Real_Bishnoi_) February 29, 2024
I liked this fast bowlers contract.. @BCCI thinking in the right direction
Well done @imAagarkar & @BCCI @JayShah #CricketTwitter https://t.co/5rzBcOLuoe
— rᥲȷі