‘Players will be communicated to play for their state…’ – Indian Cricket Board issues harsh ‘Ranji Trophy’ notice following Ishan Kishan’s regular omission

According to sources, Team India players were handed a harsh message from the Indian Cricket Board as they were ordered to put the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) second in importance. Notably, the management had requested that they concentrate on playing domestic Ranji Trophy cricket if they were not injured or part of the national squad.

However, this cryptic threat correlates with speculations that several players—possibly star batter Ishan Kishan among them—are preparing for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) rather than playing in the Ranji Trophy.

However, the timing of the warning and mentions of players being in “IPL mode” beginning in January, even though no names have been mentioned specifically, appear to be referring to Ishan Kishan’s present absence from the Ranji Trophy.

Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan has sparked discussion over giving rich T20 leagues priority over domestic duties.
Just a few days ago, reports suggested that Ishan Kishan is presently practising in Baroda with Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya and his brother Krunal Pandya.

The Board isn’t too happy with certain players already in IPL mode from January: Reports

The left-handed batter has been making bold headlines for the past few months as he has not returned to the national squad after opting out of the South Africa tour citing personal reasons. The Southpaw did not play the Ranji Trophy games as well. Notably, a plethora of cricket pundits have been lashing at him for his constant absence from the field. India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, and former India all-rounder, Irfan Pathan, have recently been seen taking digs at him for his prolonged absence from the cricket field.

“In the next few days, all the players will be communicated by the Indian Cricket Board to play for their state team in the Ranji Trophy, as long as they are not on national duty, with only those who are unfit and recovering at the NCA being granted an exemption. The Board isn’t too happy with certain players already in IPL mode from January,” the source told Times of India.