BCCI Issues New Directive: Indian Players Given Ultimatum to Play at Least Two Vijay Hazare Trophy Matches

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing South Africa tour of India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a new directive for Indian national team players. Senior cricketers, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have been instructed to participate in at least two matches in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025‑26.

Tournament Details

The Vijay Hazare Trophy is set to begin on 24th December 2025 and will continue until 18th January 2026, featuring the one-day (50‑overs) format. Players from the Indian white-ball team, including veterans, will take part, strengthening domestic competition and providing leadership to younger talent.

Rohit Sharma is expected to represent Mumbai, while Virat Kohli will play for Delhi. Both players, though retired from Test and T20 Internationals, remain in exceptional form and are key contributors in domestic cricket.

Players in Red-Hot Form

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been performing outstandingly in recent series. During the three-match ODI series against South Africa, Virat Kohli scored over 300 runs, including two centuries and a half-century, while Rohit Sharma scored two fifties in his matches. Earlier, Rohit had amassed significant runs during the India tour of Australia, and Virat also contributed a fifty in the final game of that series.

BCCI’s Vision

The BCCI’s directive aims to ensure experienced players actively participate in domestic tournaments, raising the standard of competition and mentoring emerging talent. By mandating participation in at least two matches, the board emphasizes the importance of domestic cricket in maintaining match fitness and form, even for senior national players.

Impact: Fans can expect thrilling performances from India’s white-ball legends while domestic cricket gains a significant boost in both visibility and competitiveness ahead of future international engagements.