A number of Indian domestic cricketers, including Saurashtra batter Sheldon Jackson, were over the moon after hearing that Ranji Trophy will be conducted in 2022.
Notably, the Ranji Trophy 2021-22 was scheduled to get underway on January 13 but was postponed indefinitely owing to the third wave of COVID-19 in the country.
It is worth mentioning here that the premier First-Class tournament couldn’t take place last season as well due to the pandemic and the logistical obstacles faced for having an extended bio-bubble for 38 teams.
Amid the speculations, BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Friday (January 28) confirmed that the Ranji Trophy would be held in two phases. This news certainly came as a relief for the seasoned domestic players, who have been facing financial instability and not getting a platform to showcase their skills in red-ball cricket.
"Every domestic cricketer in the country is not thinking about the league phase or knockouts, no one is thinking about bubble or COVID, they just want to play. Playing is everything right now and rest will follow," PTI quoted Sheldon Jackson as saying.
"We all very thankful to the BCCI which has decided to conduct red ball cricket even in these tough times. Only when you are able to play, you can think of climbing up the ladder. No doubt red ball is the toughest form of cricket but we all want to excel in it. It will be a challenge initially but when muscle memory comes back we should be fine," he added.
As per Jay Shah’s statement, BCCI is planning to complete all matches of the league stage in the first phase while the knockouts will be held in June.
Chandigarh pacer Sandeep Sharma is also elated to hear the development over Ranji Trophy 2021-22 but said it will be a huge task for the board to pull off.
"Only 200 players play the IPL but domestic cricket is played by many more. It is important financially as well as for your career growth. Since I just recovered from COVID, I would hope no one gets affected by the virus during Ranji. There are 38 teams and we have seen in the IPL, despite all the strict measures, the virus managed to enter the bubble. In Ranji Trophy, there will be a lot more teams. It is a great step by the board and a massive challenge at the same time," said Sharma.
Siddhesh Lad may not have found a place in Mumbai’s squad this season but he is happy that the players will finally get the opportunity to showcase their talent.
"It is a good news for players like us. It keeps us financially stable, also we have been struggling for opportunities for the past two three seasons.
"We are not able to showcase our talent unless you are part of the IPL or the national team. For the last two, three seasons no one knows that I am playing cricket because no one has seen me play," said Siddhesh Lad.
(With PTI inputs)
