“If you feel you will only play IPL and...”- Aakash Chopra says BCCI should crack the whip on players skipping domestic cricket

Chopra gave example of veterans like Rahane, Pujara and Umesh Yadav who are playing Ranji Trophy.

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has urged the BCCI and national selectors to be stricter in their policies in selecting players who intentionally skip domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy. This comes after some young Indian players are not playing in the Ranji Trophy, instead relying on their IPL performances to secure a place in the national team.

Chopra cited examples of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, who continue to compete in the domestic circuit despite being dropped from the Test team. Both these players, along with Umesh Yadav are no longer in BCCI selectors’ plans for the Indian team, yet Chopra pointed out that the veterans are still actively playing in the Ranji Trophy to make a comeback.

"I am hearing that a lot of youngsters are not playing. They don't play at all because their names have already come in the IPL. People have started thinking that they would be selected if they do well in the IPL, which is not a good thing, because Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are still playing," Aakash Chopra said in his YouTube video.

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As per reports, the BCCI has mandated that all cricketers not currently in the national team and not undergoing any rehab at the NCA, participate in the upcoming round of the premier domestic tournament. This comes after reports stating that Ishan Kishan has not been available for selection for Jharkhand despite not being engaged in national duties.

Aakash Chopra emphasized the importance of first-class cricket for selection for the Indian team and urged the board to enforce participation in domestic tournaments. He also feels that the Ajit Agarkar-led national selection committee will draw a clear line and send a strong message that players will only be considered for national selection if they actively participate in first-class cricket.

"If first-class cricket is happening and if you are fit and are not part of the Indian team, go and play. If someone feels that he will return without playing, a strong message has to be sent that you will only be considered when you go and play. If you feel you will only play the IPL and play all cricket based on that, I am expecting the selection committee under Ajit Agarkar's leadership to put that line in the sand, that it's not going to happen. If this is being imposed, please do it even more," Chopra added.