Former India captain Kapil Dev said that he was happy with some players suffering as he backed the BCCI's decision to terminate central contracts for lack of commitment to domestic cricket. He called it a much-needed step to protect marquee first-class events like the Ranji Trophy.
Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were removed from the BCCI's central contracts on Wednesday for refusing to play in the Ranji Trophy despite the board's directive. Kapil avoided naming individuals, but said the BCCI's decision to emphasize the importance of domestic cricket was long overdue.
"Yes, few players will suffer, kuch logon ko taqleef hogi, hone do lekin desh se badhkar koi nahi hai (some people will feel hurt but let it be because nobody is bigger than the country). Well done. I congratulate the BCCI for taking the much needed step to protect the status of domestic cricket. I was sad to see domestic cricket being given the skip by players once they had established themselves in international cricket," Kapil Dev said in a video to PTI.
While announcing the central contracts, the BCCI has instructed the players to give due importance to domestic competitions.
Kishan, 25, did not play for Jharkhand during the Ranji Trophy season despite not being on national duty after abandoning the South Africa tour in December for personal reasons.
Iyer, on the other hand, did not make himself available for Mumbai's Ranji quarterfinal against Baroda after being dropped from the Indian side during the second Test against England. He has, however, been selected for Mumbai's Ranji semifinal against Tamil Nadu on March 2.
"It was high time the message was given and this strong step by the BCCI will go a long way in restoring the prestige of domestic cricket. I have always believed in the process of international players making themselves available to play for their respective states. It helps them extend their support to domestic players. Also it is a nice way to pay back for the services rendered by the state association in grooming a player," he said.
On the other hand, Kapil also thanked the BCCI for increasing the pension of former cricketers, saying it has come as a major relief to families of several yesteryear players. In 2022, the board had announced a hike in the monthly pensions of former cricketers -- both men and women.
Former first-class men's cricketers, who earlier got Rs 15,000 per month are now getting Rs 30,000, while former Test players, who got Rs 37,500, are now getting Rs 60,000.
Women international players, who received Rs 30,000 prior to the revision are now receiving Rs 52,500, while first-class cricketers who retired before 2003 and were getting Rs 22,500 are now getting Rs 45,000.
"I am also happy that the BCCI has increased the pension amount of the players. This was a much needed boost to those whose family depends on the pension received," added Kapil.
(PTI inputs)
