BCCI suspends all age group tournaments owing to COVID-19 situation

Amid the growing number of COVID-19 cases across the country, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to temporarily suspend all the age-group tournaments including Cooch Behar Trophy and Vinoo Mankad Trophy. The board will keep a keen eye on the COVID-19 situation and a decision will be taken post the IPL. 

In a letter to all the affiliated state cricket associations as accessed by ANI, BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed the decision to suspend age-group tournaments as that would include hectic inter-city travel and the creation of multiple bio-secure bubbles. 

“The Women’s Senior One Day Trophy is also currently underway at different centres with the final scheduled to take place on 4th April. While our endeavour was to get in as many matches as was practicable across different age groups in the season, prevailing circumstances have now forced us to suspend all age-group tournaments. This is on account of the fact that active COVID cases are on the rise and organising tournaments requires intercity travel, strict quarantine measures and the creation and maintenance of bio-secure bubbles for the participants.” - The letter read. 

Considering that the board examinations are in close proximity, the secretary said it would be appropriate to organise the age-group tournaments later this year. 

“Moreover, the situation is presently not conducive in some states. Considering the fact that the 10th and 12th board examinations are also around the corner across India, it is prudent that our young athletes have the opportunity to prepare and focus on these crucial examinations. Furthermore, our players' health, safety and well-being are our primary concern. I assure you that we will continue exploring a window for organising the age-group tournaments post the IPL 2021.” - he added. 

The 2020-21 domestic season kickstarted with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy closely followed by Vijay Hazare Trophy. With the domestic season starting unusually late this year, the board could not conduct the age-group tournaments in such a short frame of the window. However, BCCI assured that they will continue exploring the opportunities of hosting the age-group tournaments after the completion of IPL.