Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has reacted to the social media outrage by fans over the limited television coverage of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 group-stage matches.
The domestic one-day tournament, which got underway on Wednesday (December 24), grabbed eyeballs because of batting legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s appearances for Mumbai and Delhi, respectively.
However, several marquee fixtures — including those featuring the two superstars — were not televised, much to the disappointment of the fans.
While Ashwin acknowledged the anger among supporters desperate to watch their heroes, he tried to make them understand the logistical constraints faced by the BCCI.
“Fans are asking what the hell? Only Elon Musk can telecast these matches on X. Everyone wants to follow Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, no doubt. They had a great series and will be facing New Zealand next. They both have turned up, and turned up how! One scores 150 and the other 130, both with incredible strike rates. When players like these come and play, the matches become more exciting,” Ashwin said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“Everyone wants to see Rohit and Virat in action, sure. But we have to see how early they got the information that Rohit and Virat will play. When the international calendar is given, the domestic calendar is given at the same time. Once it is set, the BCCI and broadcasters decide which venues are easy to cover and which matches can be televised,” he added.
Ashwin mentioned that last-minute changes are rarely feasible. “So the conversation was Rohit and Virat will play, but when? Making that last-minute switch is difficult,” he said.
“I can understand the frustration. But there are limitations. India has the maximum first-class teams. You cannot televise all matches. Other players also want to showcase their talent and are equally important to the ecosystem. I think we should cut some slack there,” he further remarked.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli slammed scintillating centuries on their return to action in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Making his first appearance in the tournament after seven years, Rohit blasted 155 off 94 balls with 18 fours and 9 sixes as Mumbai crushed Sikkim by eight wickets in their Elite Group C match in Jaipur.
Kohli, who last played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during the 2010-11 season, scored 131 off 101 balls with 14 fours and 3 sixes during Delhi's Elite Group D fixture against Andhra Pradesh in Bengaluru.
Rohit was adjudged 'Player-of-the-Match' after his effort helped Mumbai chase down a below-par target of 237 in 30.3 overs. Kohli, on the other hand, led the charge in Delhi’s run chase, propelling his team to the target of 299 with four wickets in hand and 74 deliveries to spare.
