“BCCI Directs India Stars to Play Vijay Hazare as Gap Looms Between SA and NZ Series”

The BCCI has mandated that all current Indian national team players participate in at least two matches of the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, starting December 24.

This directive comes during the three-week gap between India’s final T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad on December 19 and the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11, 2026.

The Board aims to keep senior players match-fit and in form by having them compete in domestic cricket during this interval. The directive has been communicated through the national selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar.

This decision aligns with recommendations from a review following India’s disappointing Test series in Australia earlier this year, which emphasized the importance of consistent domestic cricket across formats to maintain peak performance.

Rohit, Kohli Confirm Participation
Veteran stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have confirmed their availability for the tournament. Other senior players, including Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav, have also been instructed to play at least two matches for their respective state teams. Shreyas Iyer may take longer to regain full fitness, but all others are expected to feature.

“There are six rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy between December 24 and the start of the New Zealand ODIs. Players and their state associations can choose which two rounds to participate in, but after the second T20I in Mullanpur, playing the Hazare Trophy isn’t optional,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Exceptions will be made only if a player is officially declared unfit by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, though officials are confident there is enough time for players to recover after the South Africa series.

The move also addresses concerns that the directive unfairly targets stars like Kohli and Rohit. By making participation mandatory for all senior players, the BCCI has sent a clear message that the rule applies equally to everyone.