Seven members of Bengal Ranji Trophy squad have been tested positive for COVID-19.
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on Monday (January 3) confirmed that the upcoming season of the Ranji Trophy will go on as scheduled. There was uncertainty over the tournament after a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.
Ganguly, speaking to ANI, confirmed that the Ranji Trophy won't get affected by the current situation. "Yes, the Ranji Trophy will proceed as planned," he said.
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The domestic tournament will kick off on January 13 and the final match is scheduled to be played from March 16 to 20. Kolkata will be hosting the neutral group stage matches as well as knockouts.
As per ESPNCricinfo, a total of seven members of the Bengal Ranji Trophy squad - six players and a senior support staffer - have tested positive for the COVID-19.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) also announced that the local tournaments of First Division, Second Divison, and District, will be put on hold after certain players tested positive for COVID-19.
"The CAB is also taking immediate steps to vaccinate the registered players who fall in the 15-18 age bracket since health and safety of the Cricketers and all concerned in the paramount to the association," said an official CAB notice.
BCCI has successfully organized the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy 2021-22 and Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021-22 last year.
(With ANI inputs)