The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released the latest list of central contracts for the men’s team, and among the 34 players included, two familiar names have made a significant comeback — Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan. Both players, who were previously left out of the 2023-24 central contracts as a disciplinary measure, have now been reinstated.

Why Were They Dropped Last Year?

The exclusion of Iyer and Kishan in the previous cycle was primarily due to their refusal to participate in domestic cricket — a non-negotiable requirement for players not involved in international matches. Ishan Kishan had taken a personal break following the South Africa tour and skipped the Ranji Trophy despite BCCI's directives, choosing instead to train privately in Baroda. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer cited a back spasm to skip domestic games, although a report from the National Cricket Academy stated he was medically fit, raising questions over his absence.

Redemption Through Domestic Performances

Following their omission, both players returned to domestic cricket with renewed focus. Iyer impressed with 480 runs in five Ranji matches for Mumbai and finished among the top scorers in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His strong form led to a national comeback and a standout performance in the Champions Trophy 2025, where he emerged as India’s top scorer.

Ishan Kishan, on the other hand, bounced back with solid domestic performances for Jharkhand and further made his case with a century in his first IPL 2025 match — catching the selectors’ attention just in time.

Full Player Privileges Restored

Now back in the central contract list, Iyer and Kishan will enjoy full BCCI facilities, including:

• Free treatment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE)
• Full travel and accommodation allowances
• Access to training infrastructure and support staff under the BCCI umbrella

Their reinstatement signals that the board is open to second chances — provided players show commitment to domestic cricket and professionalism off the field. With their reputations restored, both players will now aim to cement their spots in the national setup.