BCCI weighs match availability as new criterion for awarding central contracts

A top BCCI source familiar with the development said discussions are underway within the board on whether players should have to meet a minimum match-availability threshold to remain eligible for a central contract. Under the proposed system, the BCCI could track a player's availability.

The board is also discussing a formula to determine the number or percentage of matches a player would need to be available to qualify. The proposal comes amid growing concerns over player availability, with several India players missing matches in recent months due to.

What Happened

The BCCI's thinking is that centrally contracted players should be fit and available for as many matches as possible, making availability an additional factor alongside performance when contracts are assessed. However, the proposal is still at a preliminary stage, and no decision.

• The proposed criterion could particularly affect players who are regularly sidelined by injuries, although the BCCI is yet to determine how availability would be calculated or whether there would be exemptions for specific circumstances.

• While performance remains a key consideration, players could also be assessed on how consistently they are available for selection during the season.

• If approved, the move could mark a significant change to the BCCI's central-contract system.

Key Details

The source stressed that the board has not formalised the proposal and will assess its feasibility before taking a final call.

• For the next central contract, players' availability for the whole season could be monitored.

• The discussion is on regarding the idea.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge