The Duleep Trophy 2025 begins on August 28.
Abey Kuruvilla, the general manager of cricket operations for the BCCI, warned the state associations via email that they must choose the best players available in order to maintain the competition's prestige.
In accordance with the BCCI's directives from the previous season, all international players must play domestic cricket during their time away from the Indian squad to be eligible for central contracts.
“To uphold its prestige and ensure the highest quality of competition, all currently available Indian players must be selected for their respective zonal teams. Requesting the Zonal Convenors to ensure that all the current Indian players who are available to play the Duleep Trophy should be picked," Kuruvilla wrote in the email, as quoted by The Indian Express.
The report also stated that the South Zone selection was the source of the implication, even though the letter was sent to all state organizations. None of the players named above were present, nor were players like Prasidh Krishna and Sai Sudharsan, and it took place before any other zone.
“Participation in domestic matches: All players, contracted or otherwise, who make themselves available for selection into Team India, shall participate in domestic matches conducted by BCCI. In case any player opts not to participate in any domestic cricket tournaments despite availability, he/she shall not be considered for selection unless a prior recommendation is obtained to skip the match/tournament from the national coach and the chairman of the selection committee, and prior approval from the BCCI. In case any leave is granted, the same shall be considered based on some valid and cogent reason," the email added.
The Duleep Trophy begins on August 28.
The report also stated that zonal selectors are hesitant about selecting international cricketers, as they feel the domestic cricket competition is a good opportunity for local players who have done well in the whole domestic season.