A day after his retirement from cricket, Bengal star Manoj Tiwary raised issues over the IPL-centric strategy of younger cricketers and strongly advocated for larger emphasis on Ranji Trophy. The 38-year-old Tiwary, who served Bengal for about twenty years and represented India in 12 ODIs and three T20Is, had just lately posted on X that Ranji Trophy needs to be “scrapped” however didn’t elaborate on the topic as he was an lively BCCI cricketer. He was fined 20 per cent of his match price for that comment.

He additionally had a Facebook stay within the midst of the match the place he mentioned he would come out within the open after taking retirement.

“I can observe that young players have adopted an IPL-centric mindset,” Tiwary mentioned, referring to central contracted gamers opting out of enjoying home cricket.

“Those who don’t play IPL often go to Dubai or other places whenever they find some free time. However, this trend is diminishing the significance of the prestigious Ranji Trophy.

“Now, expressing any opinion would possibly result in a ban. I’ve already been penalised with a 20 % discount in my match price for only one publish.” 

Ishan Kishan‘s reluctance to play first-class cricket and focus only on the IPL forced the BCCI to make a minimum number of Ranji Trophy games mandatory for players in order to be eligible for the cash-rich league’s lucrative auction pool.

“In hindsight, I really feel that the directive issued by the BCCI may not have been given had I not posted it on X. Perhaps my publish prompted the BCCI secretary to place the gamers below strain now.

“The seriousness they have shown by taking this step in the crucial stage of the Ranji Trophy indicates their concern that many players, especially high-profile ones who have succeeded in the IPL with limited first-class cricket, are not giving enough importance to the Ranji Trophy,” Tiwary mentioned.

“I could have spoken up earlier, but it seems that the BCCI is no longer governed by sportspersons; it’s now run by politicians. I am associated with a political party, but I am also a sportsperson.

“I do not wish to have interaction in a struggle; I merely need the Ranji Trophy to be prioritised, as it’s slowly shedding its significance.”

 ‘Essence of IPL has lost’

Tiwary further went on to criticise the the approach of young cricketers. “The new-age cricketers undertake a ‘Bazball’ strategy, swinging the bat aggressively from the primary ball. Personally, I dislike this strategy as a result of it focuses solely on successful or shedding.

“However, there is a scope to save a match, especially when facing a potential loss. They are aiming to secure an IPL contract or improve their strike rate to attract attention.

“I will not blame the gamers; it is a scenario that has emerged. The essence of IPL appears to have been misplaced.

“IPL is a massive platform for all of us, but I also request the BCCI president and secretary to increase the significance of the Ranji Trophy.

“Many gamers have emerged from this match. While we have a good time successful collection, it’s disheartening that we’re unable to clinch ICC trophies, whether or not or not it’s the WTC or World Cup.

“We feel saddened because India has immense talent, unlike Australia, yet they have won numerous World Cups. The focus should ultimately be on ICC tournaments, with the Ranji Trophy playing an integral role in preparing players for such competitions.”