MUMBAI: Nearly two years – March 13, 2020 to be exact-after Saurashtra beat Bengal by 44 runs in a thrilling final to clinch Ranji Trophy in Rajkot, traditional domestic cricket tournament is set to return.
In an announcement that will come as a big relief for the hundreds of domestic cricket, referees, scorers and groundstaff across the country, BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Friday stating that the Council will hold a 2021-22 edition of the Ranji Trophy, was initially postponed because of a surge of cases in the country covid that, in two stages – before the league phase of IPL and T20 league KO posting luxury.
“The board has decided to do the Ranji Trophy this season in two stages.
In the first stage, we plan to complete all the matches of the knockout stage while the league will be held in June, “said Shah.
“My team is working together to reduce all kinds of health risks caused by the pandemic, while at the same time ensuring the red-ball cricket contest was very competitive.
The Ranji Trophy is our most prestigious competition in the country, which has been providing the Indian cricket talent pool with envy every year.
It is absolutely essential that we take all steps necessary to protect the interests of this major event, “he said in the statement.
On Friday, former head coach of India Ravi Shastri said on social media that the Ranji Trophy is the backbone of Indian cricket in the country and the prime minister red-ball tournament should not be overlooked.
“The Ranji Trophy is the backbone of Indian cricket.
When you start to ignore it, our cricket will be reinforced, “Shastri tweeted.
TOI had reported on January 23 that the Board is considering options to hold the league phase of the Ranji Trophy before the IPL and play KO later.
In an e-mail (TOI has a copy) to all affiliated associations of the BCCI on Friday, Shah wrote: “Dear members, I hope you are doing well.
I am writing to you to inform you that all decks have been cleared and we set doing Ranji Trophy 2020-21 season long.
Earlier this month, the Council was forced to postpone a major domestic tournament India amid rising COVID-19 cases in this country.
“Since the postponement decision was made, the Council is working on several models to ensure that the tournament takes place as soon as a safe and conducive environment.
As stated in my previous communications, the delay hard decisions made considering the safety and well-being of everyone concerned.
” With the daily number of cases has decreased, BCCI is in a better position to do the Ranji Trophy, Shah wrote.
“Current daily positive rate has begun to decline, while the rate of recovery has been encouraging throughout India.
We are now in a better position to make the tournament than ever before.
We will continue to have a bio-secure bubbles to reduce potential risks.
Council is committed to providing safe and healthy environment and seek your support in ensuring a safe tournament for all our key stakeholders.
“My team in the BCCI has been working on a framework in which we will do Ranji Trophy this season in two stages.
The first phase will start immediately and will consist of league matches, while leg knockout will be held in June.
We shortly will communicate the details of the place, grouping, and structure of the tournament two stages.
I thank you for your understanding and cooperation on this issue.
Good luck everyone, let the preparations begin! ” On January 4, the BCCI has delayed the Ranji Trophy due to rising COVID-19 cases in this country.
The Ranji Trophy and Col CK Nayudu Trophy is scheduled to begin in January this year.
The Ranji Trophy is not held last season as well as the 19th COVID pandemic.
BCCI treasurer Thursday Arun Dhumal told PTI that the board intended to hold the Ranji Trophy 2021-22 in two stages in the plan reworked.
Ranji Trophy to be held in two phases: Secretary BCCI Jay Shah
