“India Stars Asked to Feature in Vijay Hazare Trophy Ahead of SA-NZ Series Gap”

The BCCI has made it compulsory for all current Indian national team players to feature in at least two matches of the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, starting December 24.

This directive comes during the three-week break between India’s final T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad on December 19 and the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11, 2026. The Board wants its senior players to stay match-fit and in form by taking part in domestic cricket during this period. The instruction has been communicated via the national selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar.

This move follows recommendations from a post-Australia Test series review, which highlighted the importance of domestic cricket across formats to ensure players maintain peak performance levels.

Rohit, Kohli Confirm Participation
Veteran stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have confirmed they will play in the tournament. Other senior players, including Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav, have also been instructed to participate in at least two matches for their state teams. Shreyas Iyer may take longer to regain full fitness, but all other senior players are expected to turn out.

“There are six rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy between December 24 and the New Zealand ODIs. Players and state associations can decide which two rounds to play, but after the second T20I in Mullanpur, participation is mandatory,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Exceptions will only be granted if a player is officially declared unfit by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Officials are confident there is enough time for players to recover after the South Africa series.

The move also ensures fairness, addressing concerns that only marquee players like Kohli and Rohit were being targeted. By making participation mandatory for all senior players, the BCCI has sent a clear message that the rule applies to everyone equally.