The excitement surrounding the return of superstars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to domestic cricket has been tempered by significant fan frustration over the lack of television coverage for key matches in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has now addressed the growing discontent, acknowledging the disappointment while urging understanding of the logistical hurdles faced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Fan Fury Over Missed Spectacles
The domestic one-day tournament kicked off on Wednesday with a rare burst of star power, as India icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returned to the domestic circuit after years. Rohit represented Mumbai, while Kohli turned out for Delhi, both marking their comebacks with spectacular centuries. However, to the dismay of countless supporters, several marquee fixtures—including those featuring these two modern greats—were not televised.
Speaking candidly on his YouTube channel, Ashwin highlighted the palpable anger among fans. "Fans are asking what the hell? Only Elon Musk can telecast these matches on X," Ashwin remarked with a smile. He emphasized the massive public interest, stating, "Everyone wants to follow Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, no doubt. They had a great series and will be facing New Zealand next. They both have turned up, and turned up how!"
The performances justified the hype. Rohit Sharma smashed a breathtaking 155 runs off just 94 balls for Mumbai against Sikkim, an innings peppered with 18 fours and nine sixes. Not to be outdone, Virat Kohli scored a dominant 131 off 101 deliveries for Delhi against Andhra, hitting 14 fours and three sixes.
Ashwin Explains the BCCI's Broadcasting Dilemma
While sympathizing with fans, Ashwin swiftly moved to explain the practical constraints governing broadcast decisions. He clarified that the domestic calendar is fixed alongside the international schedule well in advance. "Once it is set, the BCCI and broadcasters decide which venues are easy to cover and which matches can be televised," he explained.
The core issue, according to Ashwin, is the unpredictability of star participation. "We have to see how early they got the information that Rohit and Virat will play," he said. Broadcast plans are locked in long before team sheets are finalized, making last-minute changes to accommodate sudden star appearances nearly impossible. "So the conversation was Rohit and Virat will play, but when? Making that last-minute switch is difficult," Ashwin stressed.
A Plea for Perspective on Domestic Cricket
Ashwin concluded his analysis by asking fans for a broader perspective on the scale of Indian domestic cricket. "I can understand the frustration. But there are limitations," he stated. He pointed out that India has the highest number of first-class teams in the world, making it logistically unfeasible to broadcast every match.
He also reminded everyone that the domestic circuit is not just about established stars. "Other players also want to showcase their talent and are equally important to the ecosystem. I think we should cut some slack there," Ashwin appealed, highlighting the need to balance fan desires with the operational realities of managing the world's most extensive cricket structure.
The debate underscores the growing chasm between fan expectations for access and the broadcasting logistics of domestic tournaments, even when they feature the biggest names in the sport.
