Reports suggest Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to succeed Ranji Trophy for upcoming season

Reports suggest Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to succeed Ranji Trophy for upcoming season

BCCI Officials

Mayank Agarwal with Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2020
Mayank Agarwal with Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2020

As reports of inclusion of two new franchises for the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) flood in, franchise owners are now on their toes in a bid to fill the holes in their side. The team owners are concerned about the availability of promising Indian talents with two new sides joining the roster. And to address the issue, the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to prepone the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

An absolute necessity for IPL 2021

bcci officials
BCCI officials

According to a Hindustan Times report, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will be kicking off the domestic season in 2021 succeeding regular starter Ranji Trophy. The aim is to help franchises scout promising Indian talents ahead of the mega auction. The report suggests that BCCI has even sent feelers to a few state associations to create a bio-bubble environment for a minimum of three teams.

“Yes, the IPL auctions this year will be important for at least two to three teams which is weak on Indian talent. For their talent scouts, IPL will be an absolute necessity. So it’s only logical that Mushtaq Ali happens before Ranji Trophy,” a state unit official was quoted by Hindustan Times.

The official adds that BCCI is looking to complete its premier T20 tournament in a two-week window. According to the source, the governing body is planning to approach 10 state associations. And is looking for a positive response as it plans the expansion of the IPL.

“There are at least 10 state units that will be approached and asked if they can create a bio-secure environment. The BCCI feels that if 6 out of 10 units give a positive response, then Mushtaq Ali can be completed in a two-week window and Ranji Trophy can start,” he said.

Cricket Association of Bengal is one of the first regional governing bodies that is gearing up for a six-club inaugural T20 league. CAB has already made the arrangements to create a bio-bubble for the same.

Also read : IPL: Adani Group and Sanjiv Goenka Group interested in buying new franchise