Vinoo Mankad Trophy: 2 BJP Leaders Form Separate Under-19 Teams For Bihar; BCCI To Look Into The Matter

Ahead of Vinoo Mankad Trophy 2021 season, a big controversy has erupted in Bihar Cricket Association (BCA). Two BJP leaders have formed their own separate teams for the tournament. The infighting between two leaders has led to a controversial situation, both of whom claim to represent BCA.

The two groups are headed by former state BJP treasurer and BCA president Rakesh Tiwary and former MLA and state BJP spokesperson Prem Ranjan Patel. Tiwary has shortlisted a list of 135 junior players for trials for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. On September 14, he is going to name the final squad for the tournament. On the other hand, the rebel group leader Prem Ranjan Patel has already sent a list of the squad to BCCI.

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Controversy Erupts In Bihar Cricket Association Ahead of Vinoo Mankad Trophy

Speaking over the matter to the newspaper The Indian Express, Rakesh Tiwary said that the other group has nothing to do with BCA and the players they chose are not even registered with the association.

“They (Patel) have nothing to do with the BCA, the players who went for their trials are not even registered by the BCA. They have no recognition, no office, and no official email address. When was their election held? Who are their members? There are people who just want to create nuisance,” Tiwary was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

In response, Prem Ranjan Patel said that the association removed Tiwary as BCA President last year and he was appointed for the post. He also said that they selected the team after proper trials throughout all the districts of the state.

“Last year, out of 38 districts, 28 had called an emergency meeting where we removed Tiwary from the BCA president’s post and nominated me as president of the association. We conducted selection trials and players from each district took part. We have been updating the BCCI about our activities. I’m BCA president, it’s my duty to conduct selection trials. We have sent the names and the BCCI has to decide what to do,” Patel said.

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BCCI secretary Jay Shah has said that the Indian cricket board will look into the matter and will not tolerate this kind of activity. Vinoo Mankad Trophy is the domestic tournament conducted by BCCI for U-19 teams. The 2021 season of Vinoo Mankad Trophy is set to commence on September 20.

The previous season of Vinoo Mankad Trophy was played in 2019 in which Uttar Pradesh U-19 team emerged champions. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, domestic cricket was stalled in the country since the last year.