BCCI To Not Conduct Ranji Trophy For The First Time In 87 Years

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to not host the Ranji Trophy, which is India’s premier first-class domestic tournament. It will be the first time in 87 years,  since its inception in 1934-35, that the Ranji Trophy will not be conducted.

This decision comes in the wake of the time lost for the 2020-21 season due to the covid-19 pandemic. Also hosting a long tournament like the Ranji Trophy – even in two stages – would create a logistical issue for the BCCI to put players in the bio-bubble for months.

Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, wrote to the various state associations on Friday, that as per the wishes of the majority of the State units they will not stage the multi-day tournament.

However, the governing body, led by BCCI President and former India captain, Sourav Ganguly has plotted to host three other one-day tournaments: The senior men’s 50-over competition, Vijay Hazare Trophy; the senior women’s tournament will be followed by the Vinoo Mankad Trophy for Under-19 players.

“I am extremely happy to inform you that we are going to conduct the Senior Women’s One Day tournament simultaneously with the Vijay Hazare Trophy and follow it up with Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under-19. This has been decided after having received your feedback on the domestic season 2020-21,” Jay Shah wrote a letter to State units, which is in possession of PTI.

“As you are aware, we have lost a lot of time and consequently, it has been difficult to plan the cricket calendar on account of the precautions that are necessary for the safe conduct of the games,” Shah added.

The BCCI during its  AGM had decided that players will be compensated for missing out on Ranji Trophy matches. Jaydev Unadkat’s Saurashtra is the current titleholder.

BCCI successfully conducts the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, prepared for the England series at home

The Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament, which is the premier domestic T20 competition is hosted successfully and the final will take place between Tamil Nadu and Baroda on Sunday at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The Ganguly-led panel is also excited for the upcoming home matches against England. After a historic Test series victory in Australia, Virat Kohli’s team will face off against the Three Lions in 4 Tests, 5 T20Is, and 3 ODIs.

“I write this with some satisfaction and whole lot of gratitude towards the State associations and staff of the BCCI for the successful conduct of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament so far after having delivered a flawless IPL earlier.

“The preparations for the England tour of India which commences on 5th February onwards, are in full swing and there is a lot of excitement around it after the historic tour of Australia where, as you are aware, the team had performed miraculously under extremely trying circumstances,” Shah further added.

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