BCCI Likely To Stage Ranji Trophy And The Under-19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy In COVID-19-Hit Domestic Calendar

With cases of COVID-19 cases creeping up rapidly in India, international cricket looks next to impossible in the upcoming months. Nevertheless, the BCCI has indicated that two domestic tournaments will be conducted this year for the welfare of the players. The two competitions are the Ranji Trophy and the Under-19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy.

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The BCCI has decided to scrap the Duleep Trophy, the Deodhar Trophy, the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the CK Nayudu Under-23 tournament. On the other hand, efforts are being put to squeeze in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. A significant change in the Ranji Trophy could follow as the teams will get segregated according to zones – north, south, central, east, and west.

The group matches will be played between the zones while the winners would lock horns in the knockout tournament. If the Ranji Trophy proceeds according to this format, the same will apply to the U-19 competition too. A source of the BCCI claimed that at present, there is only an outside chance to accommodate the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament.

“Right now, there’s still just an outside chance of including Mushtaq Ali (T20 tournament) in the plans. Let’s see how things work out,” the sources said as quoted by Times of India.

Sources underline why BCCI must hold the Ranji Trophy tournament:

While there is no fixed timeline for the 2020 IPL to take place from where the players earn the highest, the Ranji Trophy remains the second-highest paying tournament. The sources claim that the players can make up to 10-12 lakhs per Ranji season, which is the source of livelihood for several cricketers. Hence, during these times of pandemic, the players need to continue receiving their share of funds.

“Cricketers don’t earn from any other domestic tournament in the country the way they earn from IPL. Ranji is the second highest paying tournament. Eight teams play the IPL, 38 teams play the Ranji. Players earn anywhere between (Rs) 10-12 lakh per Ranji season or more and some state associations also share sponsorship money.

It’s a source of livelihood for many cricketers, who earn by playing the game. That is why it is important for the Ranji Trophy to happen. In these times of Covid, it is important that all players continue to receive their fair share of money and respect,” the source added further.

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