Aakash Chopra Supports BCCI's Decision: Hardik Pandya's Unique Case Deserves Grade A Contract

*March 1, 2024*

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has defended the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for awarding a Grade A contract to Hardik Pandya despite his absence from international cricket since the ODI World Cup 2023. Chopra, while supporting the decision, highlighted the distinct circumstances surrounding Pandya's case compared to Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, who were not included in the central contracts.

Amid criticism on social media regarding Pandya's unavailability in domestic cricket, Chopra explained that since Pandya is not auditioning for Tests, there's no need for him to play first-class cricket. He justified the decision by stating that Pandya's ambition for red-ball cricket doesn't exist anymore due to his injuries.

Chopra emphasized the chronology of events, pointing out that Pandya suffered an ankle injury during the ODI World Cup in October 2023 and subsequently didn't play first-class cricket. He reiterated that Pandya's case is different from Kishan and Iyer, who missed games, and clarified that Pandya returned to competitive cricket at the DY Patil T20 Cup, demonstrating his commitment to the sport.