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Given the recent instances of players opting out after selection or calling it a day without intimation, the Indian cricket board is mulling to incorporate a clause in the players’ contract that will bring in more commitment and accountability.
Sources told CricBlogger that a clause could introduced in the new central contract which could ensure that players prioritise national duty unless there’s a valid reason like injury or personal emergencies. “You need to have a strong medical reason to pull out on your own. Once picked, the players will have to be available for the team,” sources said
This move could also prevent last-minute withdrawals that disrupt team balance and planning. This discussion within the BCCI is to make sure that there is no disruption in team planning and also infuses a commitment on the part of the players. “The cases of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma taking paternity leave, as well as MS Dhoni and R Ashwin opting out unceremoniously in the past, might have triggered the need for stricter policies,” a source said.
Introducing a clause in the contract could be a way to ensure that once a player is selected, they cannot withdraw without a valid reason. However, enforcing it strictly might be tricky, especially in cases like personal emergencies or genuine workload management concerns. The board will likely need to find a balance — ensuring commitment while respecting individual circumstances.
Making domestic cricket mandatory for all players, regardless of their stature, would not only strengthen Indian cricket’s overall ecosystem but also ensure accountability and discipline. This move would help bridge the gap between international and domestic cricket while keeping senior players match-fit when not on national duty. The board’s push for discipline seems to be a direct response to the growing trend of players managing their own schedules, opting out of series, or prioritising T20 leagues.
By enforcing participation in domestic cricket based on workload management, BCCI can ensure that players remain connected to the system and continue to contribute to the development of young talent. It seems like the BCCI is looking to address these instances where players, despite being named in the squad, either miss matches or withdraw entirely. Rohit Sharma not playing the first Test in Perth in the BGT despite being captain and R Ashwin opting out after being dropped may have been seen as personal decisions, but they highlight a larger issue of accountability and commitment.
While some members of the team management haven’t taken these decisions in the right spirit, the board appears to be more focused on ensuring that players stick to their commitments, especially after being selected. “This aligns with the broader push for discipline and accountability, as seen in the discussions about domestic cricket and workload management,” a source said while addding that a few more points from the SOPs released to media could be added to the contract clauses if need arises.
