BCCI Likely to Host Ranji Trophy 2021 in Prior to IPL 2021

Ranji Trophy
Ranji Trophy

BCCI is on the verge of hosting the Ranji Trophy 2021 before the IPL 2021. Ranji Trophy 2020 has been postponed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic which plays a massive lose for the Indian domestic circuit players.

BCCI pays Rs 40,000 per day to the players for the four-day Ranji Trophy matches. Which is the main source of income for more than 800 domestic cricketers.

BCCI might look to host the Ranji Trophy 2021 to back the domestic circuit players. The BCCI has also given the green signal to host women’s senior games but is yet to decide whether to go ahead with junior cricket this season.

BCCI Might Host Ranji Trophy 2021 before the IPL 2021

During Sunday’s Apex Council meeting of the BCCI, secretary Jay Shah sought feedback from the members whether they preferred the 50-overs tournament Vijay Hazare Trophy or Ranji after the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 ends on January 31.

Also, it is learnt that BCCI seeks to host the IPL 2021 in its regular window of March- April.

“The Apex Council had a discussion on the issue. And Jay bhai was of the view that players earn more in Ranji Trophy as compared to Syed Mushtaq Ali. The livelihoods of domestic cricketers depend on the four-day game. The operations team has been told to go ahead and make a concrete plan for the Ranji Trophy,” a BCCI official said.

With 38 teams playing in Indian domestic cricket, logistics and mobility could be a big task. The board had taken verbal feedback from state associations and many wanted to host the T20 and 50-over competitions. However, it is learnt that a few players requested Shah to host the Ranji Trophy instead of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

The dithering over junior cricket is due to the bio-bubble situation as the board feels dealing with it will be a tougher task for that age-group.