BCCI Strict Decision: Not only Rohit-Kohli, it is mandatory for every Indian player to play Vijay Hazare Trophy

New Delhi. BCCI has adopted a strict stance regarding domestic cricket for Indian cricketers. The board has made it clear that it will be mandatory for all the players of the current national team to play at least two matches in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. This tournament is starting from 24th December.

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There is a gap of about three weeks between the last T20 match against South Africa to be played in Ahmedabad on 19 December and the ODI series against New Zealand starting on 11 January 2026. Using this period, BCCI wants to keep its senior players connected with domestic cricket.

Clear instructions from the selection committee

The National Selection Committee led by Ajit Agarkar has conveyed this instruction to the players. This decision is part of a review conducted after the poor performance of the Test series in Australia, in which it was recommended to give priority to domestic cricket in all formats.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have already informed about their availability. Apart from this, senior players like Shubhman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav have also been asked to play at least two matches for their respective state teams. Only Shreyas Iyer can stay out of it for the time being due to fitness reasons.

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BCCI statement

BCCI official said that there will be a total of six rounds in Vijay Hazare Trophy and players and state associations can decide in which two rounds they will play. However, it has also been made clear that playing Hazare Trophy is no longer optional. Only those players who are declared unfit by the Center of Excellence can get exemption.

Bumrah returned home due to family reasons

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has returned home due to personal reasons before the third T20 match. According to sources, one of his very close family members is admitted in the hospital. If the situation improves, Bumrah can join the team for the fourth or fifth T20 match.

Team announcement for T20 World Cup and New Zealand series together

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Keeping in mind the ICC deadline, BCCI will announce the squad for the T20 World Cup and the T20 series against New Zealand on the same day. It is likely that this announcement will be made in the first week of January and the team will remain the same for both.