BCCI's Central Contracts: Hardik Pandya's Inclusion Defended by Aakash Chopra

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced its new central contracts, sparking debate over the inclusion of Hardik Pandya and the exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has defended the BCCI's decision, arguing that Pandya's case is distinct from that of Kishan and Iyer.

Pandya, who has not played international cricket since the ODI World Cup 2023 due to an ankle injury, was awarded a Grade A contract. Kishan and Iyer, on the other hand, were not included in the list for not participating in domestic cricket.

Chopra emphasized that Pandya cannot be penalized for not playing first-class cricket because he is not vying for a spot in India's Test squad. "He is not playing red-ball cricket. That ambition or aspiration does not exist anymore," Chopra said.

Chopra also highlighted Pandya's unavailability from both domestic and international cricket, explaining that he never missed a game like Kishan and Iyer. "He got injured during the World Cup, that was October-November," Chopra explained. "He was playing in the World Cup for India at that time."

Pandya recently returned to competitive cricket at the DY Patil T20 Cup, leading the Reliance 1 team. He picked up 2 for 22 against Bharat Petroleum.

Chopra's analysis suggests that the BCCI's decision to award Pandya a central contract is justified, given his unique circumstances and his continued value to the Indian team.

Tags: #BCCI, #CentralContracts, #HardikPandya, #IshanKishan, #ShreyasIyer