The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to increase the cap on foreign recruits in Ranji teams has drawn mixed reactions, with several state units welcoming the move but strongly objecting to the conditions set in the name of “quality control”.

While the BCCI’s technical committee decided on Saturday to increase the number of ‘guest’ players from three to four, it also added a clause that requires the cricketer to have played at least 10 Tests or 20 ODIs. However, some associations say since they will be spending the money, they don’t want the BCCI to dictate terms.

Leading the protest is the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA), traditionally known to hire cricketers from other states. “Why this condition that an overseas cricketer should have played minimum 10 Tests or 20 ODIs?” demands MCA president Ajay Shirke.

“It doesn’t make any sense. If I want to have an Ajantha Mendis or a Shaun Marsh in my team, I can’t do that. If my association is spending money, let my association decide which player should be invited,” he says. Interestingly, Shirke was a special invitee at the technical committee meeting headed by Sunil Gavaskar where the decision was taken.

Quality control?

Defending the decision, BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah says they don’t want foreign fringe players to come to India and get the experience of playing in the subcontinent. “If we are inviting an overseas player, it should help our youngsters. The idea is to allow our first class cricketers to gain experience,” explains Shah.

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