BCCI Mandates Participation in Vijay Hazare Trophy for National Players
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that all current players in the national team must play in at least two matches of the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, starting on December 24. This decision comes during a three-week break following India’s last T20I against South Africa on December 19 and just before the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11, 2026.
The BCCI aims for senior players to maintain their fitness and skill levels by engaging in domestic cricket during this period. This directive has been communicated to the players by the national selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar.
This initiative aligns with insights from a review conducted after India’s disappointing Test series in Australia earlier this year. The review highlighted the need to focus more on domestic cricket to keep players in top form.
Rohit and Kohli Set to Participate
Star players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have already confirmed they will join the tournament. Other key players like Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav have also been directed to play at least two matches for their respective state teams. Shreyas Iyer may take longer to reach full fitness, but the expectation is that the other players will participate.
According to a senior BCCI official, “There are six rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy scheduled from December 24 until the New Zealand ODIs. Players and their state associations can choose which two rounds to play, but they’ve been clearly informed that participation is not optional after the second T20I in Mullanpur.”
Exceptions will only be allowed if a player is deemed unfit by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. However, officials are optimistic that players will have enough time to recover following the South Africa series.
This move also aims to dispel any notions that the selection committee and head coach Gautam Gambhir are favoring experienced players like Kohli and Rohit. By mandating participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for all senior players, the BCCI makes it clear that everyone is subject to the same requirements.
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Published By: Kingshuk Kusari
Published On: Dec 15, 2025
