For the first time in last 87 years, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will not be conducting its premier first-class domestic tournament — the Ranji Trophy – as it has opted for the Vijay Hazare Trophy as per the wishes of majority of the state units.
The board will however, host the Under-19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy and the Women’s national 50-over tournament as per a letter sent by BCCI secretary Jay Shah to the state associations.
Shah has written to the state associations, stating that the decision was taken with an eye on the coronavirus pandemic and the feedback from the state cricket bodies.
“The pandemic has tested each and every one of us and there is no life that has remain untouched by it, and while it has been difficult, your support has meant that we have been able to resume both domestic and international cricket in the men’s category,” Shah wrote in the letter.
“As you are aware, we have lost a lot of time and consequently, it has been difficult to plan th cricket calendar on account of the precautions that are necessary for the safe conduct of the games. However, it was extremely important for us to ensure that women’s cricket takes place and I am extremely happy to inform you that we are going to conduct the Senior Women’s One Day tournament simultaenously with the Vijay Hazare Trophy and follow it up with the Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under-19. This has been decided after having received your feedback on the domestic season 2020-21,” the letter further read.
The dates of the tournaments are yet to be confirmed but it means that Ranji Trophy for the 2020-21 season gets cancelled.
Shah further wrote that Vijay Hazare Trophy will take place before the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League.
Meanwhile, the BCCI secretary also thanked the state units which successfully conducted the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament.
“I write this with some satisfaction and 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.
Shah also informed that preparations for the England series is in full swing.