Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer's decision to opt out of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy knock-outs due to a reported back issue, despite being cleared fit by the National Cricket Academy (NCA), has raised eyebrows within the cricketing fraternity.
The 27-year-old batsman's choice to make himself unavailable for domestic red-ball cricket comes amidst similar actions by other prominent players, including Ishan Kishan, who recently withdrew from Jharkhand's team selection.
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Despite receiving fitness clearance from the NCA, Iyer's decision to abstain from the Ranji Trophy matches, especially after repeated reminders from head coach Rahul Dravid and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the importance of players' participation in domestic tournaments, has left many puzzled.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan openly expressed suspicion about the situation surrounding Iyer's absence. He took to his official social media account to question whether there are different rules for different players regarding their participation in domestic cricket under the guise of prioritizing physical well-being.
“Is there a different rules for different players for not playing Indian first class cricket in the name of looking after the body?” Pathan wrote on his official X account.
Is there a different rules for different players for not playing Indian first class cricket in the name of looking after the body?
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 22, 2024
Iyer's absence from the Indian team for the final three Tests against England was attributed to a prolonged period of poor form in red-ball cricket, during which he failed to register a half-century in 13 consecutive innings. Although he encountered minor issues with his lower back and groin during the second Test in Vizag, both the BCCI medical team and the NCA cleared him as fit for participation.
Despite being available for selection, Iyer found himself excluded from the Indian squad, prompting the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee to recommend his participation in the Ranji Trophy as a means to regain form and confidence. However, Iyer chose not to heed this advice, raising further questions about his commitment to red-ball cricket.
This revelation comes just days after the BCCI secretary expressed satisfaction with the consistent success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) but noted the unexpected trend of players prioritizing domestic cricket over the IPL. The decision by players like Iyer to forego domestic opportunities has brought attention to the need for clarity and consistency in the selection and participation policies of Indian cricketers.
As discussions around Iyer's absence continue to unfold, the cricketing community eagerly awaits further clarification from the player himself or the relevant authorities regarding the reasons behind his decision and the implications for his future participation in Ranji Trophy cricket.