BCCI to not conduct Ranji Trophy this season

Photo/AFP

It's official that no Ranji Trophy will take place in this Covid-hit domestic season. After Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, the BCCI has decided to host Vijay Hazare Trophy (50 overs tournament) along with senior women's one-day tournament followed by U-19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy. The same was communicated to all state associations on Friday, a copy of which is with mid-day.

Although the letter did not mention when these tournaments will kick off, it is learnt that the BCCI is looking to play in mid-February.

Vijay Hazare Trophy and the women's one-day tournaments will be conducted together, according to BCCI secretary Jay Shah's letter.

mid-day was the first to report on December 1 last year that most state associations in their feedback preferred hosting Mushtaq Ali T20 and Vijay Hazare Trophy instead of Ranji Trophy as it would be difficult to maintain the bio-bubble for 67 days.

It is understood that the BCCI decided to not conduct the Ranji Trophy because a truncated tournament would take away the charm and essence. Another factor was it wouldn't have been possible to conduct any other domestic tournaments had Ranji Trophy taken place.

With the T20 World Cup this year and an U-19 World Cup next year, the BCCI felt prudent to conduct the 50 overs cricket over four-day Ranji Trophy games.