A day after his retirement from cricket, Bengal star Manoj Tiwary expressed concern over the IPL-centric approach to young cricketers and strongly advocated more emphasis on the Ranji Trophy. The 38-year-old Tiwary, who has served Bengal for around 20 years and represented India in 12 ODIs and three T20Is, had recently posted on was an active player. BCCI cricketer. For that comment he was fined 20 percent of his match fee.
He also had a Facebook live in the middle of the match where he said he would be making a public appearance after his retirement.
“I can see that young players have adopted an IPL-oriented mindset,” Tiwary said, referring to centrally contracted players opting out of playing domestic cricket.
“Those who do not play IPL often go to Dubai or other places when they have some spare time. However, this trend diminishes the significance of the prestigious Ranji Trophy.
“Now expressing any opinion can lead to a ban. I have already been punished with a 20 percent cut on my competition fee for just one post.”
Ishan Kishan's reluctance to play first-class cricket and focus only on the IPL forced the BCCI to mandate a minimum number of Ranji Trophy games for players to qualify for the cash-rich league's lucrative auction pool.
“In retrospect, I feel that the BCCI directive might not have been given if I had not posted it on X. Perhaps my message prompted the BCCI secretary to put pressure on the players now.
“The seriousness they have shown in taking this step at the crucial stage of the Ranji Trophy indicates their concern that many players, especially the high profile players who have succeeded in the IPL with limited first-class cricket, not giving enough importance to the Ranji trophy,” Tiwary said.
“I could have said something earlier, but it seems the BCCI is no longer run by athletes; it is now run by politicians. I am affiliated with a political party, but I am also an athlete.
“I don't want to start a fight; I just want the Ranji Trophy to be given priority as it is slowly losing importance.”
'Essence of IPL has been lost'
Tiwary further criticized the approach towards young cricketers. “The new-age cricketers adopt a 'bazball' approach, where they swing the bat aggressively from the first ball. Personally, I dislike this approach as it focuses solely on winning or losing.
“However, there is an opportunity to salvage a match, especially if there is a potential loss. They will aim to secure an IPL contract or improve their strike rate to attract attention.
“I don't blame the players; it is a situation that has arisen. The essence of IPL seems to have been lost.
“IPL is a huge platform for all of us, but I also request the BCCI President and Secretary to enhance the significance of the Ranji Trophy.
“Many players have emerged from this tournament. While we celebrate winning runs, it is disheartening that we are failing to win ICC trophies, be it the WTC or the World Cup.
“We feel saddened that unlike Australia, India has immense talent yet has won numerous World Cups. The focus should ultimately be on ICC tournaments, with the Ranji Trophy playing an integral role in preparing players for such competitions.”
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