Basit Ali on BCCI’s Double Standards: Virat and Rohit Have Been Granted Full Control

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali recently voiced his disapproval of the BCCI’s (Board of Control for Cricket in India) apparent favoritism toward senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma by allowing them to bypass domestic cricket. According to Ali, the BCCI, which had earlier established a rule requiring players to participate in domestic matches to remain eligible for national team selection, is selectively applying this mandate. The policy, intended to ensure players stay match-fit and in touch with the local cricket scene, was designed to provide a stronger foundation for those selected to represent India in international matches. However, in Ali’s view, Kohli and Sharma’s exemption from this requirement sends mixed signals about the board’s commitment to upholding its own policies.

Despite the BCCI’s earlier mandate, Kohli and Sharma, due to their senior status, have been given the freedom to decide whether they want to participate in domestic matches, bypassing the requirement that applies to their teammates. Basit Ali believes that this lenient stance has had a negative impact on the duo’s form, particularly in Test cricket. Their performances, once among the best in the world, have shown signs of inconsistency, a factor Ali attributes partly to the lack of domestic match experience. He suggests that the board’s relaxed attitude towards enforcing this rule has been detrimental, culminating in India’s historic three-match whitewash in a home Test series—an outcome that Ali sees as a wake-up call for both the players and the BCCI’s selection policies.

“It was the mandate that you must make yourself available for domestic cricket to be eligible for India selection. Everyone played domestic, all of them performed in patches – Shubman Gill, Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal…but dono (Rohit and Virat) ko free hand diya hua that (both have been given free hand), that ‘you can exclude yourself’,” said Ali on his Youtube Channel.

Additionally, he recommended that the star duo participate in domestic cricket to prepare for the crucial upcoming five-match Test series against Australia.

Ali Urges Kohli and Rohit to Play Domestic Cricket Before Heading to Australia

“Virat Kohli, out of touch, not in form at all. He needs to play domestic (cricket) before flying to Australia; Rohit also. Test-match pratice can’t be seen (in their batting),” he added.

This year has been a challenging one for Virat Kohli in the Test arena. Across six matches, he has struggled to find his rhythm, managing a total of only 250 runs with an average of 22.72—a figure notably below his career standards. Adding to his concerns, he has been able to reach just one half-century, raising questions about his consistency and ability to perform at the highest level. 

In contrast, Rohit Sharma has had a somewhat better year in Test cricket. Over 11 matches (21 innings), he has scored 588 runs with an average of 29.40. Though still below his usual standards, his tally includes two centuries and two fifties, showing glimpses of his potential even in a relatively lean phase. Despite his contributions, his overall performance has also left fans and analysts alike questioning whether he can maintain his place as a mainstay in India’s Test lineup.

These underwhelming performances during the recent home season have led to mounting scrutiny regarding their positions in the team. With time potentially running out on their Test careers, the upcoming series in Australia represents a crucial chance for both players. This tour could allow them to regain their lost form, silence their critics, and reinforce their roles as key members of the Indian squad in the Test format.

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