NEW DELHI: The BCCI has directed all players currently part of the national setup to feature in at least two matches of the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, which begins on December 24. The move is aimed at ensuring senior players remain match-ready during an extended break in the international calendar.

With nearly three weeks separating India's final T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad on December 19 and the opening ODI against New Zealand on January 11, 2026, the board is keen for its leading players to stay engaged through domestic competition. The directive has been conveyed to the squad by the national selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar.

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The decision follows recommendations from a review conducted after India's disappointing Test tour of Australia earlier this year, which called for a renewed focus on domestic cricket participation across all formats.

While veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have already confirmed their availability for the tournament, other senior players including Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav have also been instructed to feature in at least two matches for their respective teams.

Barring Shreyas Iyer, who is expected to require more time to regain full fitness, the remaining players are likely to turn out for their state sides.

"There are six rounds of Vijay Hazare Trophy scheduled between December 24 and start of the New Zealand ODIs. It is up to the players and their state associations to decide which two rounds they would like to play.

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"But after the second T20I in Mullanpur, the players have been categorically told that playing Hazare isn't optional," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Exceptions would be made only if a player is declared unfit by the Centre of Excellence, but officials believe there is enough time to recuperate after the South Africa series.

The diktat would also help counter the narrative that the selection committee and head coach Gautam Gambhir only want to make an example out of Kohli and Rohit, who have nothing to prove.

The decision to make Vijay Hazare Trophy mandatory for all is indicative that rules will be same for everyone.

Bumrah's close family member in hospital

Jasprit Bumrah was forced to fly back home for personal reasons ahead of the third T20I in Dharamsala. As per reliable sources, a very close family member of the bowler is currently hospitalised, prompting the cricketer to return home.

"If all goes well, then he might return for the fourth or even fifth game (in Ahmedabad). But first priority is recovery of his family member."

T20 WC and NZ series squad on same day

With the ICC setting a deadline for the T20 World Cup squad announcement, India's line-up for the global event and the preceding series against New Zealand will be announced on the same day, which could be some time in the first week of January.

"The squad that will be selected for the New Zealand T20Is will be the same that will be named for the T20 World Cup," the source added.

(With PTI Inputs)