Anuj Rawat, the Delhi-based wicketkeeper-batter, finds himself in potential trouble for skipping Delhi’s Ranji Trophy preparation camp to join his new IPL team, Gujarat Titans, for their pre-season training in Surat. The Gujarat Titans, in an official statement, confirmed the presence of players like Rawat, Ishant Sharma, and others in their camp, which comes ahead of the IPL 2025 season. However, this move has raised questions, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been emphasizing the importance of red-ball cricket during the domestic season.
Ashok Sharma, the secretary of the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) and the convenor of the senior state team selection committee, stated he was unaware of Rawat’s decision to skip the ongoing Ranji Trophy camp at the Kotla. Sharma emphasized that players must seek prior permission from the state association to attend IPL-related activities during domestic commitments. He noted that Ishant Sharma’s case was different, as the veteran pacer has officially opted out of red-ball domestic cricket, negating the need for such permissions.
A senior DDCA official revealed that while the association has received formal requests from other players for similar situations, no written communication was submitted by Rawat. This breach of protocol could result in disciplinary actions against the cricketer. The incident echoes past controversies, such as Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan losing their central contracts last year for prioritizing IPL over domestic cricket, though both have since returned to play for their respective state sides.
Rawat, who has had a modest red-ball season with just 97 runs in four innings, faces scrutiny not only for his performance but also for his decision to prioritize IPL commitments. His situation is further highlighted by his association with renowned coach Rajkumar Sharma, known for mentoring Virat Kohli. This controversy underscores the ongoing conflict between franchise cricket and domestic priorities, particularly as the BCCI seeks to uphold the relevance of red-ball cricket in India.
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