Indian domestic season in 2020-21 could exclude the Ranji Trophy – Reports

Indian domestic season in 2020-21 could exclude the Ranji Trophy – Reports
Ranji Trophy

According to reports, India’s domestic season in 2020-21 could not include Test matches at all and could limited only to One-Day matches and T20s, ESPNcricinfo has stated. It has been reported that a plethora of state associations have intimated to the BCCI that they would prefer if only the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (One-Day) are held in the next season.

This comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly sent an email asking for state associations’ opinion on whether to include Ranji Trophy (Test matches) in the schedule. A lot of states like Saurashtra, Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Baroda and Punjab have opted for only white-ball cricket, ESPNcricinfo said. Some states like Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Vidarbha have opted to include the Ranji Trophy.

Preparation and team selection – the biggest concerns

Defending Champions Saurashtra

The reason states are choosing not to opt for the Ranji Trophy is because of concerns regarding preparation and team selection amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Since, the schedule has already been pushed back, the BCCI will have to rush and play fixtures at regular intervals.

According to BCCI secretary Jay Shah, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is being considered to be conducted ‘group-wise’ and in the same zones in order to avoid travel during the pandemic. There are various other concerns regarding preparation as some state associations are yet to resume cricket practice while some haven’t formed the committees necessary. Some associations haven’t even appointed the coaching staff yet. Amidst all these hurdles, it remains to be seen what the BCCI would decide.

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