Kapil Dev Urges BCCI to Enforce Domestic Cricket Rule

Former India captain Kapil Dev has urged the BCCI to adopt a firmer policy on senior players’ involvement in domestic cricket, suggesting that the national team’s recent troubles against spin bowling stem from insufficient exposure to multi-day, first-class matches.

The concern comes after India suffered home Test series whitewashes against New Zealand and South Africa over the past couple of years, with the batting unit repeatedly struggling to counter quality spin on turning tracks. Attention has now shifted to the upcoming two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, where spin-friendly conditions are expected to test India’s batters once again.

BCCI Urged to Mandate Participation

Speaking at the launch of the Bengaluru Blasters ahead of the JITO Premier League, Kapil said domestic cricket remains essential for sharpening skills against spin, and that the “BCCI should put its foot down and make everyone play multi-day matches.” His remarks point to a broader pattern where senior internationals often skip Ranji Trophy fixtures due to packed international and franchise schedules.

Younger Players Stand to Benefit Too

Kapil also highlighted a secondary advantage of greater domestic participation: it would let emerging cricketers train and compete alongside established stars, accelerating their development. Notably, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli featured in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, a move seen by many as a step toward reviving the culture of first-class cricket among India’s biggest names.

With India’s spin vulnerabilities now under the spotlight ahead of the Sri Lanka series, Kapil’s comments add to a growing chorus calling for structural changes in how the BCCI balances international commitments with domestic cricket participation.