I’ve noticed that young players now have an IPL-centric mindset: Manoj Tiwary

The Indian Premier League (IPL) should not take precedence over domestic cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cautioned its centrally contracted players and members of the broader target pool. Manoj Tiwary, a former cricket player from India, feels that this has just highlighted the issues he has raised over the years regarding India’s first-class tournament.

Tiwary detailed numerous problems with the domestic cricket system in a recent X (previously Twitter) post. He said he thought the direction from the BCCI might not have been approved if he hadn’t posted it on X. He said, “As a result of his post, the BCCI secretary has now put pressure on the players.”

Upon reflection, I believe that the BCCI’s mandate might not have been granted if I hadn’t posted it on X. Maybe the BCCI secretary decided to put the players under pressure after reading my post. The Ranji Trophy is important, and they are concerned that many players—especially well-known ones who have excelled in the IPL despite playing little first-class cricket—are not giving it enough consideration. According to ESPNcricinfo, this is evident in the seriousness with which they have approached the Ranji Trophy at this crucial time.

“Starting with the upcoming season, the Ranji Trophy ought to be removed from the schedule. There are a lot of issues with the competition. In order to preserve this esteemed competition with a long history, a great deal needs to be investigated. Its significance and charm are fading. Completely irritated Read Tiwary’s post on X.

In an email earlier this month, BCCI secretary Jay Shah warned of the “severe implications” for anyone who prioritizes the Indian Premier League over domestic cricket.

It was unexpected that some players would start to value the IPL more than local cricket. Our vision for the sport has never undervalued domestic cricket, which has always served as the cornerstone for Indian cricket,” Shah stated.

Manoj Tiwary continued by saying he thought the significance of the prestigious Ranji Trophy had diminished since young players have become IPL-centric.

Young athletes seem to have developed an IPL-centric worldview, in my opinion. Those who don’t participate in the IPL frequently travel to Dubai or other locations in their spare time. But this practice lessens the significance of the prestigious Ranji Trophy. IPL is a huge platform for all of us, but I also ask the president and secretary of the BCCI to elevate the Ranji Trophy in importance,” Tiwary continued.