'Forcefully, you can't do anything' - Wriddhiman Saha opens up on Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer opting out of domestic cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently publicized the central contracts for the Indian men's cricket team, sparking varied discussions and debates because of significant adjustments. Players of the likes of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were omitted. Addressing the issue, veteran Indian wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha pointed out that nothing can be enforced upon a player who chooses not to engage in domestic cricket.

The exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from the annual player retainership list for the 2023-24 season, despite being regulars, sparked significant attention. The BCCI stated that these two cricketers "were not considered for the annual contracts in this round of recommendations".

Saha reiterated the impossibility of enforcing measures on players who decide not to partake in domestic cricket. "That is BCCI's decision and the personal decision of the concerned players. Forcefully, you can't do anything," said Saha as quoted by NDTV.

Both Iyer and Kishan were prominent figures in the Indian cricket setup until recently, contributing notably in various formats, including the recently-concluded 50-over World Cup. While Kishan was part of India's tour of South Africa in December until he opted out citing mental fatigue, Iyer was also part of the ongoing five-match Test series against England and was ruled out due to sustaining a back injury.

Also read: Why BCCI released Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer but retained Hardik Pandya in central contracts list?

Importance of domestic cricket is always there: Wriddhiman Saha 

Saha emphasized the importance of valuing every match, drawing from his personal insights. "Whenever I am fit, I play; even I played club matches, office matches as well. I always treat a match as a match. All matches are equal for me. If every player thinks on those lines, they will only prosper in their career and it will be better for Indian cricket as well," he added.

Saha believes excelling in cricket demands a deep appreciation for domestic cricket. He pointed out Sarfaraz Khan's prolific performance in domestic tournaments prior to his national call-up. "I feel the importance of domestic cricket is always there because if I talk about Sarfaraz Khan, he had scored plenty of runs in the last 4-5 years. He has delivered," the keeper said.

Also read: What perks will Iyer and Kishan miss out after being removed from BCCI Contract?

Furthermore, Saha praised the emerging talent in Indian cricket, particularly lauding the performance of young wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel in the ongoing five-match Test series against England. "I have never seen him (Jurel) in domestic cricket, even in Test matches, I have seen in his highlights. But his batting is outstanding, he won the last Test for the team," he concluded.