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

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cracked the whip on Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan on February 28 as both the players were not awarded a central contract for the 2023-24 season.

The BCCI had a very clear stance for a few weeks that they wanted the centrally conteacted to not put the Indian Premier League (IPL) above domestic cricket, specifically the Ranji Trophy, the premier domestic competition. However, Kishan and Iyer continued to miss the ongoing 2024 Ranji Trophy against the BCCI's directive.

Kishan and Iyer's snubbing has led to concerns on why did the board decided to retain Hardik Pandya in the contract list. It is understood that the star all-rounder has informed the BCCI since long that his body is not capable of enduring the demands of red-ball cricket, and thus he was not dropped. 

Notably, Pandya has not actually participated in a first-class match since playing for Baroda against Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy Group A match in 2018. It is crucial to remember that the all-rounder faced a back issue in the Southampton Test against England, which remains his last match for India in the longest format.

Also read: I don't comment in media, neither does it bother me: Hardik Pandya

For the unreversed, Pandya's terrible back problem began after he collapsed onto the ground during the 2018 Asia Cup after bowling a delivery. He was stretchered off the field and finally had surgery in September 2020, necessitating a one-year hiatus. He made a successful return in the 2022 Indian Premier League, guiding the Gujarat Titans to victory in their inaugural season. 

Also read: Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan 'not considered' in BCCI's central contract restructure

His return to form as a batter and bowler even brought him a promotion, as he assumed leadership of India's T20I side when Rohit Sharma was preparing for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Hardik, who frequently plays for India in ODIs and T20Is, cannot play Tests as his body cannot handle it. Notably, he mentioned the same last year at a press conference.