In the wake of the rising Covid-19 cases across the nation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to postpone the upcoming Ranji Trophy, Col CK Nayudu Trophy and senior women’s T20 League for the 2021-22 season.
The Ranji Trophy, which was alo not held last season due to the pandemic, was set to commence this month and was scheduled to be held in six cities — Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Trivandrum.
On the other hand, the CK Nayudu Trophy was scheduled to begin this month whlie the Women’s T20 league was scheduled to start in February.
The Indian board said that it took the decision keeping in mind the safety of the players, support staff, match officials, and other participants involved.
“BCCI does not want to compromise the safety of the players, support staff, match officials, and other participants involved and hence, has decided to put the three tournaments on hold till further notice. The BCCI will continue to assess the situation and take a call on the start of the tournaments accordingly,” the board secretary Jay Shah said in a statement.
“BCCI thanks and continues to appreciate the efforts of the healthcare workers, state associations, players, support staff, match officials, and all the service providers who put their best foot forward to host more than 700 matches across 11 tournaments in the current 2021-22 domestic season,” it added.
Earlier, the BCCI had successfully conducted the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season before the recent spike in Covid-19 cases in the country.
Last week, the BCCI had also postponed the Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, which was scheduled to begin in January 2022.
Significantly, Covid cases have witnessed a sudden spike in India in recent weeks with several states announcing night and weekend curfews besides other restrictions.
On Monday (January 3), several Bengal Ranji players and the team’s assistant coach had returned positive for Covid-19 following which the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) was forced to cancel the team’s training sessions.
“Keeping in mind the current pandemic situation, #CAB had conducted RTPCR Tests of all Bengal cricketers. The results have come & it has been found certain players had tested positive. CAB is taking all necessary precautions & actions in this regard.” Hony Secy #SnehasishGanguly,” CAB had said.
Meanwhile, the CAB had then issued a notice informing about an “emergent meeting” on January 4 to review the current COVID-19 situation.