The BCCI wants to end the pick-and-choose culture in Indian cricket. Gautam Gambhir, the new head coach, and Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, fully support this move. Following the recent Test series against England, which ended in a draw, the board decided to take strict action. They made it clear that no player is bigger than the team.
In the past, some players skipped matches using “workload management” as an excuse. Many fast bowlers chose to rest during important games. This created confusion and frustration among fans and selectors.
Now, the BCCI says this won’t continue anymore. A senior official confirmed, “We won’t allow players to pick and choose games in the future.” The board wants players to show full commitment to the Indian team.
Some players have already set the right example. Mohammed Siraj played all five Test matches against England. He bowled more than 185 overs and never backed down. That’s the kind of effort BCCI expects from every player.
Even former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar criticized the pick-and-choose mindset. He said the idea of “workload” is often overrated. He reminded everyone how Rishabh Pant played with an injured hand and still gave his best. Gavaskar praised Siraj too for his non-stop hard work.
The BCCI is not against giving players rest. However, the board now wants a clear reason and medical proof. If a player is injured, they will get time off. But skipping a game just to manage workload won’t be accepted anymore. Also, the board plans to use scientific data from the National Cricket Academy to track player fitness. This will help decide who needs rest and who doesn’t.
For years, some players got special treatment during team selection. That’s about to change. The BCCI aims to provide opportunities based on performance and fitness. Young bowlers like Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep earned their place in the team through hard work.
Gambhir and Agarkar are serious about bringing discipline. All players, even those with central contracts, must follow the new rules. The team will no longer allow anyone to skip games without a solid reason.
This bold step may upset some senior players. They are used to managing their match schedules. But the BCCI wants to create a strong and fair system. Everyone must follow the same rules. The board believes that team success is more important than personal comfort.
The BCCI will also check the work of its fitness and sports science team. They want to make sure that every player gets proper care and support. If the system works well, injuries will reduce, and player performance will improve.
This new policy could inspire young cricketers. When selection becomes fair, competition increases. Players give their best, and the team gets stronger. That’s exactly what Indian cricket needs right now.
In short, the BCCI wants to end the pick and choose culture once and for all. Players must commit to playing whenever the team needs them. No more skipping key matches. From now on, only performance, fitness, and dedication will matter.
