BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has denied Ravindra Jadeja the permission to take part in the Ranji Trophy final owing to his likely inclusion in India's squad for the three-match home ODI series against South Africa, confirmed Jaydev Shah, the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) president. 

Jadeja, the veteran spin bowling all-rounder, won't be taking part in Saurashtra's marquee contest against Bengal, starting Monday (March 9) in Rajkot, just three days before the first game versus the Proteas in Dharamshala on Thursday (March 12). 

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"I spoke to him [Ganguly] and was told that the board can’t allow Jadeja to play Ranji as the country comes first," the Indian Express quoted Shah, who feels the board should ensure India regulars can take part in important domestic fixtures like the Ranji final by making a few adjustments to the international schedule. 

"If BCCI wants people to watch their premier domestic cricket then no international game should be held during Ranji final, henceforth. It’s my suggestion," added Shah. 

"Will BCCI keep an international match during IPL? No, because it gives money. Ranji Trophy can only be popularised if star players play at least in the finals. Don’t keep any international cricket during finals, have a proper window."

"I would have loved to see him (Jadeja) play the Ranji Trophy final for us, why only Jadeja, I would have loved to see Mohammad Shami (for Bengal) also."

Either side will be missing Jadeja and Shami but they'll be bolstered by the returns of Cheteshwar Pujara and Wriddhiman Saha, who were both part of the Indian Test squad on the tour of New Zealand that just ended.

Saurashtra captain Jaydev Unadkat was excited to have Pujara back, with his presence strengthening the team's batting line-up for the team's fourth Ranji final in last eight years. 

"I was in constant touch with Chintu (Pujara) when he was in New Zealand," Unadkat said after winning the semi-final against Gujarat. "He cares for the team as much as I do. He was on the flight back from New Zealand when we won."

"The top-order hasn’t been scoring, so having him back will be really good. whenever Cheteshwar is around, our batting unit plays differently. They have that confidence and reliance when he is there," he added. 

(Inputs from Indian Express)