BCCI to not conduct Ranji Trophy this year

COVID-19 continues to take its toll on cricket. For the first time in 87 years, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to conduct its premier domestic tournament – Ranji Trophy. Instead, the board will go ahead with Vijay Hazare Trophy (50-over tournament), keeping in mind the demands of the state units.

In a letter sent by BCCI secretary to the state units, the board also has committed to hosting the U-19 National One Day tournament (Vinoo Mankad Trophy) and the Women's national 50-over tournament.

While BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Shah were keen on conducting the Ranji Trophy, it was agreed upon that the two-month long bio-bubble even for a truncated two-phased Ranji Trophy in times of the COVID-19 pandemic wasn't feasible.

"I am extremely happy to inform you that we are going to conduct the Senior Women's One Day tournament simultaneously with the Vijay Hazare Trophy and follow it up with Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under-19. This has been decided after having received your feedback on the domestic season 2020-21," Shah wrote a letter to state units, accessed by the PTI.

"As you are aware, we have lost a lot of time and consequently, it has been difficult to plan the cricket calendar on account of the precautions that are necessary for the safe conduct of the games," Shah wrote.

During the AGM the board had decided to compensate the domestic players in case there was a truncated season. And now with players missing the Ranji Trophy fees, the board is expected to come up with a plan to ensure that players don’t lose much financially.

Meanwhile, Shah also thanked the state units for having successfully conducted the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

"I write this with some satisfaction and a whole lot of gratitude towards the state associations and staff of the BCCI for the successful conduct of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament so far after having delivered a flawless IPL earlier," Shah wrote.

While the state units were also informed that the preparations for the England series were going well and in full swing.

"The preparations for the England tour of India which commences on 5th February onwards, are in full swing and there is a lot of excitement around it after the historic tour of Australia where, as you are aware, the team had performed miraculously under extremely trying circumstances," he said.