Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has revealed that he has been fined by BCCI for criticizing the Ranji Trophy. Notably, former Bengal skipper urged the Indian board to scrap the premier domestic competition.
Just a day after announcing his retirement, Manoj Tiwary disclosed a 20% match fee penalty for a social media post calling for the Ranji Trophy’s scrapping as per Hindustan Times. He expressed frustration over the tournament’s declining importance and urged reforms.
Manoj Tiwary wrote on X: “Ranji Trophy should be scrapped off from the calendar from the next season onwards. So many things going wrong with the tournament. SO many things need to looked into in order to save this prestigious tournament which has a rich history. It’s losing its charm and importance. Absolutely frustrated.”
BCCI Directive and Manoj Tiwary claim:
This coincides with the BCCI’s recent demand for centrally contracted players to prove themselves in domestic cricket for national selection.
Manoj Tiwary believes his criticism might have influenced this directive, aiming to pressure players like Ishan Kishan, who prioritize the IPL over Ranji Trophy participation.
Concerns and observations:
Manoj Tiwary highlighted the growing “IPL-centric mindset” among youngsters, prioritizing short-format success over traditional first-class cricket.
He lamented the diminishing focus on building resilience and technique, criticizing the “Bazball” approach of aggressive batting without valuing match situations.
A call for reevaluation:
Manoj Tiwary urged the BCCI to revive the Ranji Trophy’s significance and address concerns about declining commitment from players. He emphasized the importance of nurturing well-rounded cricketers through a robust domestic structure.
The debate continues:
Tiwary’s outburst has sparked discussions about the evolving landscape of Indian cricket and the potential impact of the IPL on domestic competitions. While some support his concerns, others emphasize the changing dynamics of the sport and the need for adaptation. The BCCI’s response and future actions regarding the Ranji Trophy remain to be seen.
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