The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will not be holding its premier first-class tournament Ranji Trophy for the first time in 87 years as the governing body decided to stage the Vijay Hazare Trophy as per the wishes of majority of the state units.
The board will also conduct the U-19 National One Day tournament for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and the Women's national 50-over tournament.
While BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Shah were keen to organise the Ranji Trophy, it is learnt that a two-month long bio-bubble even for a curtailed two-phased tournament in times of the COVID-19 pandemic wasn't feasible.
Sharing his thoughts on the development, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan welcomed BCCI’s decision, saying it is logistically difficult to hold Ranji Trophy, which is played between 38 teams.
Taking to Twitter, Pathan wrote: "Appreciate the decision by @BCCI to opt for Senior Women's One Day tournament along with Vijay Hazare Trophy With Bio-bubble in place and also logistically it makes sense to not go for the Ranji Trophy where 38 teams compete for 4-day matches. @JayShah @SGanguly99."
The resumption of domestic cricket happened in India with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with its final set to be held in Ahmedabad on Sunday (January 31).
In his letter to the state associations, accessed by ANI, BCCI secretary Jay Shah wrote that the decision was taken keeping in mind the Coronavirus pandemic and the feedback of the state bodies.
"The pandemic has tested each and every one of us and there is no life that has remained untouched by it, and while it has been difficult, your support has meant that we have been able to resume both domestic and international cricket in the men's category.
"As you are aware, we have lost a lot of time and consequently, it has been difficult to plan the cricket calendar on account of the precautions that are necessary for the safe conduct of the games.
"However, it was extremely important for us to ensure that women's cricket takes place and I am extremely happy to inform you that we are going to conduct the Senior Women's One-day tournament simultaneously with the Vijay Hazare Trophy and follow it up with Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under 19. This has been decided after having received your feedback on the domestic season 2020-21," he wrote.
(With ANI inputs)
