Former Indian cricket staff pacer Madan Lal, who was a part of the 1983 World Cup-winning staff, has praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for terminating star duo Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer‘s central contracts. While the BCCI did not reveal the explanation behind the choice to axe Kishan and Iyer, stories have claimed that the board was not proud of the gamers after each determined to skip home video games for his or her state groups, regardless of being cleared match by the NCA. Lal lauded BCCI over the polarising transfer, saying that taking part in home cricket needs to be made obligatory for many who prioritise IPL over First Class matches.

“If the BCCI told them to play first-class cricket, they should have gone and played. No one is bigger than the game. The BCCI should be given the credit as they are making it mandatory to play first-class cricket. Most of the players nowadays are taking First-class cricket for granted because of the IPL. Definitely, the BCCI made a rule that every player should go and play First-class cricket. So if you don’t follow the rules, then they have to take some action and set an example for others,” Lal instructed Times of India.

Iyer had missed Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy quarterfinal final week after complaining of again stiffness. However, the NCA denied his claims, saying that the participant was fully match. Iyer was reportedly coaching at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)’s coaching camp.

Lal stated that if a participant is asserted match by NCA, he should not skip home matches.

“They have to play (first-class cricket) if they are fit. The main thing is fitness. If they are fit, then they can play the first-class season. But a good season in IPL can always be beneficial, and there is no doubt about their class. They have done so well here and there. But it is the BCCI making sure that the boys are disciplined,” he added.

After being disregarded of the contracts listing, Iyer did flip up for Mumbai of their ongoing Ranji Trophy semi-final conflict towards Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Kishan too did not flip up for Jharkhand’s Ranji Trophy matches as he was in Baroda coaching with Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya forward of the IPL.