Breaking News Analysis: Indian cricket fans, accustomed to the glitz and high-definition spectacle of international matches, were left fuming this past Wednesday as their cricketing idols, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, marked their return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy with magnificent centuries. While the batting masterclasses undoubtedly set the cricketing world abuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) found itself at the receiving end of a massive backlash over the abysmal video quality of the released highlights, prompting fans to mockingly ask, ‘Is this CCTV?’

Star Power Returns, But Visibility Falters

The domestic 50-over tournament, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, typically serves as a crucial platform for emerging talent and a proving ground for those on the cusp of national selection. However, the presence of two of the world’s most iconic cricketers – Rohit Sharma leading Mumbai and Virat Kohli spearheading Delhi – elevated the stature and interest in the opening round significantly. Fans eagerly anticipated witnessing their heroes in action, a rare sight in the domestic circuit given their demanding international schedule.

Rohit’s Dominance on Return

Rohit Sharma, making his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after a remarkable seven-year hiatus, wasted no time in asserting his authority. Facing an inexperienced Sikkim bowling attack in Jaipur, the Mumbai skipper unleashed a torrent of boundaries, crafting a breathtaking 155 runs off just 94 balls. This colossal knock not only made a mockery of the opposition’s bowling but also propelled him closer to the coveted 14,000-run mark in the 50-over format. It was his 37th century in List A cricket, adding to his impressive tally of 33 international centuries for India, showcasing that age and a break from domestic action had done little to diminish his formidable prowess.

Kohli’s Century Trailblaze

Not to be outdone, Virat Kohli, donning the Delhi colours after an even longer gap of 15 years in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, delivered a masterclass against Andhra Pradesh at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Chasing a challenging 299, Kohli led from the front with characteristic confidence and flair, scoring a dazzling 131 runs off 101 balls. This century marked his 58th in List A cricket and his third century in just four innings since the preceding series against South Africa earlier this month, underscoring his phenomenal purple patch and insatiable hunger for runs across formats.

The Broadcast Blunder: A Glaring Omission

Despite the immense star power on display and the significant cricketing milestones achieved, a major oversight by the BCCI robbed millions of fans of the opportunity to witness these innings live. The board explicitly chose not to broadcast or live stream Mumbai and Delhi’s respective matches from the opening round, a decision that immediately drew the ire of the cricketing community. Only two matches from the opening round were telecast, leaving fans bewildered and frustrated.

While the BCCI eventually released footage of Kohli and Rohit’s innings, the quality of these highlights proved to be the final straw, igniting a firestorm of criticism across social media platforms. The video quality was so poor that it prompted a flurry of scathing remarks and humorous comparisons:

• One fan, Elon Tiwari, sarcastically questioned, ‘Is this CCTV footage?’
• Another user, PariVesh, quipped that it was ‘Recorded in Nokia 7650’, referencing a vintage mobile phone.
• A similar sentiment was echoed by ‘ROCKYSR45____sr’, who stated, ‘Nokia has better quality than this’.
• Kapil, another user, remarked, ‘Looks like BCCI used 90s Camera for recording this video’.
• The popular handle ‘Cheeky Singles’ even posted a meme depicting a dated camera, asking ‘The camera which is used for recording’.

These tweets, dated December 24, 2025, as per the original source, highlight the depth of fan disappointment and the perceived inadequacy of the broadcast standards.

Analysis: The Deeper Implications for Indian Cricket

This incident transcends a mere technical glitch; it highlights several critical issues concerning the vision and execution of domestic cricket promotion by the sport’s wealthiest board.

Fan Engagement and the Digital Age

In an era dominated by high-definition streaming, instant replays, and immersive digital experiences, fans expect nothing less than premium quality content. Cricket, particularly in India, is more than just a sport; it’s a religion. When two demigods of the game perform heroics, fans, who follow every international nuance on state-of-the-art broadcasts, expect comparable, if not identical, coverage for significant domestic events. The ‘CCTV’ quality footage represents a stark disconnect with these modern expectations, alienating a passionate fanbase that craves every glimpse of their heroes.

Visibility of Domestic Cricket: A Missed Opportunity

The presence of global superstars like Kohli and Rohit in the Vijay Hazare Trophy offered an unprecedented opportunity to shine a spotlight on domestic cricket. Such marquee appearances not only draw enormous viewership but also elevate the profile of the tournament, providing invaluable exposure to lesser-known talents playing alongside them. This increased visibility helps in scouting new players, attracting sponsorships, and ultimately strengthening the grassroots of Indian cricket. By failing to provide adequate live coverage and then releasing sub-par highlights, the BCCI squandered a golden chance to boost the appeal and prestige of its own domestic competitions.

BCCI’s Role and Responsibility

The BCCI is arguably the richest cricket board globally, possessing vast resources and infrastructure. Critics argue that a board of such stature has a moral and operational responsibility to ensure high-quality production for all its tournaments, particularly when featuring national icons. The perceived lack of investment in broadcast quality for domestic matches, especially against the backdrop of lavish international coverage, raises questions about priorities and resource allocation. It suggests a potential oversight in recognizing the importance of domestic tournaments as feeders for international cricket and as standalone entertainment products.

The Star Power Missed

The impact of Rohit’s 37th List A century and Kohli’s 58th List A century – his third in four innings – extends beyond mere statistics. These are narratives that inspire millions. For young cricketers across India, watching their idols perform live is a dream; for fans, it’s a communal experience. The inability to witness these moments in high quality not only frustrates immediate viewers but also dilutes the long-term historical impact and celebratory potential of these achievements. These aren’t just scores; they are part of cricketing legacy being built, and they deserve to be preserved and presented with the utmost quality.

Moving Forward: Lessons from the Backlash

The widespread condemnation serves as a critical feedback mechanism for the BCCI. It underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to enhance the broadcast and digital coverage of domestic cricket. This includes:

• Mandatory Live Streaming: Ensuring that all significant domestic matches, particularly those featuring international stars, are live-streamed with professional production quality.
• Standardized Equipment: Implementing a minimum standard for recording equipment across all venues to guarantee acceptable video quality for highlights packages.
• Fan Engagement: Recognizing that fans are the lifeblood of the sport and their expectations must be met, especially in the digital age.

Conclusion

While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli delivered cricketing feasts with their magnificent centuries, the post-match discourse was regrettably dominated by the BCCI’s broadcast missteps. The ‘CCTV quality’ highlights are a jarring reminder of the gap between the aspirations of Indian cricket fans and the current execution of domestic match coverage. As Indian cricket continues to scale new heights on the international stage, it is imperative that its domestic foundations, and the way they are presented to the world, receive the same meticulous attention and investment. The outrage is not merely about missing a century; it’s about the fundamental respect for the game, its players, and its passionate followers.

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