'Such a big IPL contract...': Sourav Ganguly reacts to B CCI's decision on Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan

PC: dnaindia

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has commented on BCCI's recent decision to terminate the central contracts of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. The pair failed to give priority to the Ranji Trophy over IPL as per the board's orders.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah sent a memo to all contracted players, emphasizing the importance of first-class cricket. However, Kishan decided to train with Hardik Pandya instead of playing Ranji Trophy matches, while Iyer was ruled out due to back spasms.

Former BCCI president Ganguly expressed his disappointment over Kishan and Iyer's reluctance to play in the Ranji Trophy, saying that their decision upset him. A strong proponent of the importance of domestic cricket, Ganguly stressed the importance of giving priority to first-class cricket, especially the Ranji Trophy. He reiterated that whatever the stature of the player, focusing on domestic cricket, especially the Ranji Trophy, should always be the top priority as it forms the foundation of Indian cricket.

Ganguly told RevSportz- "I think BCCI wants him to play first-class cricket. I wonder why Shreyas Iyer did not play Ranji Trophy. It is a major tournament and you should play. So, it is BCCI's decision." And he did what he felt was right. Every contracted cricketer should play first-class cricket because that is the foundation of cricket in this country."

Kishan returned to competitive cricket in the DY Patil tournament after a gap of three months, while Iyer recently declared himself available for Mumbai's Ranji semi-finals. However, his return was untimely.

BCCI had already taken action against Kishan and Iyer, who were preparing to play in IPL for Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders. The decision has disappointed Ganguly and many others, as they are struggling to understand the situation.

He said- "You should be playing first-class cricket. Once you become a contracted player, you are expected to play premier tournaments. Shreyas Iyer is playing the semi-finals for Mumbai in a few days. Yes, those young guys And Ishaan has surprised me."

"He was part of the Indian team in all formats. Such a big contract in the IPL. I don't know why he did it. You have to play especially when you are talented like Ishan Kishan. When you are playing for India you have to play in all formats. I was surprised by his decision not to play.