BCCI Not To Conduct Ranji Trophy 2020-21 Season; Vijay Hazare Trophy Gets A Green Signal

In the latest news, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to not conduct the Ranji Trophy for the new season. The Ranji Trophy is the premier red-ball domestic tournament in India which is a breeding ground for the cricketers vying for a spot in the national team.

As per reports published on Sportskeeda, the BCCI took this decision during the board’s apex meeting on Sunday.

The BCCI did a tremendous job in organizing the Indian Premier League in the UAE, and currently the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Tournament in India – all under the safety of bio-bubbles. However, both the tournaments are of the T20 format, whereas Ranji Trophy is of multi-day matches.

While BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly strongly wishes to host the traditional Ranji Trophy season, however, it is not practical to do it in the covid circumstances. A source close to the BCCI says that it is impossible to make and keep intact bio-bubbles for 38 teams throughout for longer than just a couple of months.

As quoted by the Times of India, a source said, “We’re just being practical. Let’s face it – the pandemic still hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s here and our lives continue to remain dispossessed by it. There are 38 First Class teams and a bio-bubble of that degree is simply not possible.”

The board has given the nod to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which is a 50-over a side domestic tournament. The ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy ends on January 31, after which the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be slated. Also, the governing body has decided to compensate the players equally as the Ranji Trophy won’t be held this season.

BCCI to organize a women’s domestic T20 tournament as well

Amongst other reports, the BCCI is in talks to stage a Women’s T20 tournament soon. Women’s cricket in India has received a huge boost since the team qualified for the 2017 Women’s World Cup final, and 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup final – unfortunately, losing both to England and Australia respectively.

However, the team hasn’t played any matches since March. Apart from the Women’s T20 Challenge in the UAE, the national women’s team hasn’t been on the field since cricket resumed in the pandemic era.

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