BCCI is focusing on the development of the fast bowlers for future.
Ian Bishop, the former West Indies fast-bowler and commentator, lauded the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) for its latest move regarding contracts for pacers.
On Wednesday, February 29, the BCCI unveiled its annual central contracts for the senior men's team for the 2023–24 season, including special contracts especially tailored for the selected fast bowlers.
Welcoming BCCI’s decision on the social media platform 'X', Bishop lauded the world’s richest cricket board’s initiative and described it as a highly innovative step forward. He was also happy to see the young pace sensation Umran Malik's name on the list of contracted fast bowlers.
The specially selected players set to receive contracts from the BCCI are Akash Deep, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal, and Vidwath Kaverappa.
Ian Bishop wrote on X: “Very innovative move by India to give out fast-bowling contracts. I am a big fan of that, especially to see Umran Malik’s name on that list. Any team that wants to be globally competitive must procure and develop quality fast-bowlers.”
Notably, Malik made his debut for India in a T20I against Ireland in Dublin in June 2022. Since then, he has played 10 ODIs, picking up 13 wickets, while representing India in 8 T20Is, claiming 11 wickets.
However, Umran has now been off the selection radar for a long time, but the special contracts for pacers can offer him great chances with the Men in Blue. BCCI will certainly be looking after the current crop of fast bowlers in India ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.