The Board of Control for Cricket in India has directed every player on Team India to play at least two matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, this rule also provides an exemption for one player, allowing them to stay away from the tournament.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has taken a major decision to promote domestic cricket. The board has directed all current national team players to play at least two matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The tournament will begin on December 24, 2025, and run until January 18, 2026. However, one player from Team India has been exempted from this order. This player will not be required to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

The BCCI has granted exemption to only one player

This order for Team India players came amid the South Africa series. Under this order, players selected for the ODI and T20 teams must play this tournament. Following the South Africa series, the ODI series against New Zealand will begin on January 11, 2026. The Board believes that senior players can use this break to maintain their sharpness by engaging in domestic cricket. This decision is also linked to the poor performance in the Test series in Australia, which led to a recommendation to place more emphasis on domestic cricket.

Under this rule, senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav will play for their state teams. Kohli has already confirmed his availability. However, Shreyas Iyer has been exempted. In fact, Shreyas Iyer suffered an injury during the recent Australia tour, which has kept him out of action. He is currently recovering, which is why the BCCI has given him rest.

Two matches must be played at all costs

A senior CCI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told PTI, "There are six rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, from December 24th until the start of the New Zealand ODI series. It is up to the players and their state associations to decide which two rounds they wish to play in." "But after the second T20 match in Mullanpur, the players have been clearly told that playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is not optional." This means that the players must play at least two matches each at all costs.