The BCCI has clarified that the mandate applies to all contracted players.
Domestic Cricket Push: BCCI Orders Contracted Players to Feature in Vijay Hazare Trophy
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a new directive in which it made it mandatory for all centrally contracted Indian cricketers to participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy domestic one-day tournament. This move reflects the board’s renewed emphasis on strengthening the domestic circuit ahead of major international assignments. According to BCCI sources, the Vijay Hazare Trophy is scheduled to begin on December 24, 2025.
According to the board’s directive for players via the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar, every centrally contracted player must feature in at least two rounds of the tournament. “After the second T20I in Mullanpur, the players have been categorically told that playing Hazare isn’t optional.” It underscored that it is an obligation for those available and not on international duty.
The directive comes amid ongoing speculation around the participation of senior stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the domestic competition. A senior BCCI official confirmed that both have already informed their respective state bodies, Kohli with the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) and Rohit with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), of their availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The BCCI has clarified that the mandate applies to all contracted players.
This policy continues the trend from earlier in 2025 when the BCCI made participation in domestic cricket mandatory for centrally contracted players when schedules permit. This move is intended to keep international stars connected with the domestic structure, maintain match fitness, and support the development of emerging talent. Exceptions will only be permitted on grounds of injury with certification from the National Centre of Excellence.
BCCI sources indicated that among those expected to honour this directive are established India internationals such as Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav, with only Shreyas Iyer likely to miss out due to ongoing fitness recovery.
The BCCI’s firm stance indicates a strong administrative push to reinvigorate domestic cricket by ensuring top players take active part whenever they are available, setting a precedent that could reshape how India’s cricket stars balance international and domestic commitments ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup and beyond.
Source: Hindustan Times
