Irfan Pathan Says Logistically It Makes No Sense To Not Go For The Ranji Trophy

Former Indian left-arm fast bowler Irfan Pathan has questioned the decision of BCCI stating that logically it makes no sense to not conduct the Ranji trophy this year. In the tough pandemic times, BCCI had decided to conduct Vijay Hazare trophy and Vinoo Mankad Trophy with bio bubble as well as the senior woman’s 50 over tournament while not opting for the Ranji Trophy.

Three Weeks ago, domestic cricket resumed in India with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy taking place with bio bubble. The final of the tournament is set to be held at Ahmedabad’s largest stadium between Tamil Nadu and Baroda. It was a good sign for Indian cricket as the players have been waiting for more than a year to take part in the domestic trophies. No spectators were allowed inside the stadium during the matches on account of pandemic reasons.

Irfan Pathan Not Happy With Decision To Hold Ranji Trophy

Irfan Pathan expressed his displeasure with the decision from BCCI to hold the Ranji trophy for the year. But he appreciated the decision to conduct the Vijay Hazare trophy and the senior women’s 50 over Tournament by BCCI. Irfan Pathan mentioned the importance of the Ranji Trophy with 38 teams competing in four-day matches which should have been the primary focus.

“Appreciate the decision by @BCCI to opt for Senior Women’s One Day tournament along with Vijay Hazare Trophy With Bio-bubble in place and also logistically it makes sense to not go for the Ranji Trophy where 38 teams compete for 4-day matches,”@JayShah @SGanguly99 tweeted Irfan Pathan.

Appreciate the decision by @BCCI to opt for Senior Women's One Day tournament along with Vijay Hazare Trophy With Bio-bubble in place and also logistically it makes sense to not go for the Ranji Trophy where 38 teams compete for 4 day matches. @JayShah @SGanguly99

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 30, 2021

Jay Shah States The Difficulties In Scheduling

BCCI secretary Jay Shah in his letter to the state associations stated that the decision to keep hold of the Ranji Trophy for the year was taken due to the tough pandemic times. He stressed the difficulties associated with the scheduling of the Ranji trophy while so much of BCCI tournaments are in line to take place.

“The pandemic has tested each and every one of us and there is no life that has remain untouched by it, and while it has been difficult, your support has meant that we have been able to resume both domestic and international cricket in the men’s category,” Shah wrote.

“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.

“However, it was extremely important for us to ensure that women’s cricket takes place and 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 the Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under-19. This has been decided after having received your feedback on the domestic season 2020-21.”

The IPL 2021 will be held in the months of April-may which makes it even tougher to conduct the Ranji trophy.