Ishan Kishan Takes Brutal Swipe At BCCI Over Packed Schedule

Ishan Kishan (R) & BCCI Logo (Source: AFP Photos)

Ishan Kishan had an infamous history with the BCCI. The swashbuckling Indian wicketkeeper did not make himself available for India’s primary red-ball tournament: the Ranji Trophy in the 2023/24 campaign.

Thus, the BCCI did not include him in the annual contract for the following season, punishing Kishan for his stance. And on Saturday, it appeared the BCCI might punish Kishan again for his recent remark about scheduling.

Ishan Kishan Takes Brutal Dig At BCCI

On Saturday, Ishan attended a press conference. He will be in action during the Duleep Trophy final as East Zone captain, facing Tilak Varma’s South Zone.

The Duleep Trophy final between East Zone and South Zone is on September 5 and is scheduled to end on September 9. Ishan, meanwhile, will play Afghanistan vs India in India as well. 

There, three T20Is will be played on September 13, 15 and 17, respectively, between India and Afghanistan. Ishan said he did not like the jam-packed schedule approved by the BCCI. 

"I just keep playing. Yes, playing different formats can be tough. We have two days of practice ahead of the Afghanistan game," Ishan Kishan told the reporters.

Also Read: Full List Of Changes In India Squad for Afghanistan T20Is Compared To Zimbabwe Tour

Kishan is among the 15-member squad picked by the BCCI for three T20Is against Afghanistan. Shreyas Iyer, who will captain India in the Asian Games 2026, will lead the side as well against the Afghans.

What’s The Matter Between BCCI & Their Tight Scheduling?

Earlier, the BCCI and CoE, along with the coach and captains, had a mutual agreement regarding India’s domestic schedule. However, it reportedly seems not to be the case any longer, particularly with Gautam Gambhir at the helm.

However, the exact reason the BCCI changed the terms with the Indian coaching staff and captains remains unclear.

What’s Next For India After Afghanistan T20Is?

Once the Afghanistan tour is over, India will have non-stop cricket as well.

Firstly, they will play a T20I match against Japan, followed by the Asian Games 2026. Simultaneously, they will play ODIs against the West Indies- three ODIs and five T20Is- all between September 27 and October 17.

Besides, the Ranji Trophy 2026 will begin soon too. India’s primary red-ball competition will get underway on October 11. Ishan Kishan’s Jharkhand will play its first match against Kerala.

Therefore, it can be safely said that Ishan will have plenty of cricket coming. And the point he made regarding the BCCI schedule is valid.

There are many mega ICC events coming up, and every regular Indian must manage their workload to stay fit. 

However, it would be interesting to see how the BCCI takes Ishan Kishan’s comments on packed scheduling. Even though the point is justified, it is always a risk to make a comment against the plans of the country’s top administrators.

Also Read: Tri-Series To Return: BCCI’s Big Plan For India's Future Tour Programme Revealed