BCCI mandates domestic play for India cricketers' eligibility

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued new guidelines for Indian cricketers ahead of the IPL 2025. This follows a disappointing tour of Australia, where the team lost six of their last eight Tests in the World Test Championship cycle. The BCCI aims to reinforce discipline and unity among players. The guidelines make it mandatory for players to participate in domestic cricket when they are not on international duty. Last year, the board advised cricketers to play in domestic tournaments, but some players, like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, missed these opportunities. As a result, the BCCI did not grant them annual central contracts. With the IPL starting soon, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized that all players must play in domestic matches. Players who wish to skip these tournaments need permission from head coach Gautam Gambhir and selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar. This rule aims to ensure that young players gain experience playing with senior players. Saikia also mentioned that the BCCI is firm about its policy on family travel for overseas tours. This decision has faced criticism, including from star player Virat Kohli, but the board plans to maintain its stance.