The Board of Cricket Council of India’s (BCCI) latest move to enforce a set of 10 commandments, including mandatory participation in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, is a much-needed course correction. But let’s not mince words: this directive comes far too late to undo the damage caused by years of poor planning and misplaced priorities. Who’s responsible for the growing disconnect between India’s cricketing icons and domestic cricket? The BCCI itself. For years, the domestic cricket calendar has been subordinated to international fixtures, ICC commitments, and, of course, the revenue-spinning IPL. By cramming the year with international tours and marquee events, the board has all but sidelined Ranji, Irani, and other domestic tournaments. The result? Players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, once the pride of India, are now criticized for neglecting their roots. This lack of foresight is appalling. The BCCI must ensure that even those representing the nation across formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20s—are given the time and opportunity to contribute to domestic cricket. Such participation strengthens domestic teams and keeps national players connected to the grassroots.
India has no shortage of talent; cricket is, after all, a national obsession. Picking 15-20 players for different formats shouldn’t be a herculean task. Why must a bowler like Jasprit Bumrah, plagued by injuries, shoulder the burden of playing across formats? Why not groom specialists for Tests, ODIs, and T20s? Players like Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal could excel in the shorter formats, while Test cricket could be reserved for those with the patience and endurance required for five-day games. This approach would not only extend the careers of India’s marquee players but also ensure a steady pipeline of talent across all formats. Let’s not forget the IPL, a lucrative yet exhausting tournament that provides players with enough opportunities to showcase their flair. BCCI must focus on preserving players’ longevity rather than burning them out in pursuit of short-term gains. The media, too, must share the blame for this sorry state of affairs. Irresponsible outlets like Republic TV have turned cricket into fodder for political mudslinging, tarnishing the legacy of legends like Kohli and Rohit. The BCCI’s new commandments are a step in the right direction, but they should have been implemented years ago. By prioritizing domestic cricket, ensuring better workload management, and fostering format-specific specialists, the board can redeem itself and rebuild Indian cricket’s foundations. Better late than never, but the clock is ticking.
