The rapid rise in COVID-19 and Omicron cases has put the BCCI on a sticky wicket. With the Ranji Trophy set to kick off on January 13 at six centres (Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram), the BCCI is sweating over the fate of the tournament which had to be shelved last season. 

Mumbai on Saturday clocked over 6,000 COVID-19 cases. Though the BCCI was swift in calling off the U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy since that age group is not vaccinated, the Board officials are keeping a close watch on the rise in cases especially at centres where the Ranji Trophy will be played.