The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly decided not to host its premier domestic First-Class tournament Ranji Trophy in this ongoing COVID-hit domestic season. Instead of the red-ball event, the board will host the domestic one-day tournament, Vijay Hazare Trophy in February, a report published in the Times of India has claimed. Furthermore, alongside the men’s events BCCI is also planning to host women’s T20 tournament in the next month.
These decisions were taken during Sunday’s (January 17) Apex Council meeting, which was held via tele-conference.
“We’re just being practical. Let’s face it – the pandemic still hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s here and our lives continue to remain dispossessed by it. There are 38 First Class teams and a bio-bubble of that degree is simply not possible,” a source has been quoted saying in the TOI report.
Earlier it was reported that the board president Sourav Ganguly was determined to host the Ranji Trophy under bio-secure environment.
The COVID-hit 2020-21 domestic season has commenced from this month as currently the board is hosting the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. The tournament will be completed by January 31 following which the Vijay Hazare tournament will start, most probably on the same venues. The final schedule will of the 50-over tournament will be confirmed within couple of weeks.
Meanwhile, India’s international home season is starting next next month as England are coming here for a full-flagged tour. All the matches will be played under bio-secure environment across three venues – Chennai, Ahmedabad and Pune. The England series will be followed by the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League.