Kolkata: The BCCI is likely to cancel the domestic season mainly due to rising COVID-19 cases in the country. Although, the board has managed the Indian Premier League (IPL) to be held in the UAE, the same won’t happen for the local players.
The tournaments which are likely to get axed are Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, the U-23 CK Nayudu Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Deodhar Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament. However, there has been no update on women’s domestic tournaments. The BCCI is yet to announce the fate of the 2020 domestic season but as per sources discussions are on.
“In certain states, it’s bad. In other states, it’s worse. The numbers are unrelenting. In such a scenario, how does one plan anything over a period of three or four months, when you’re not sure what’s in store tomorrow,” a source was quoted as saying to TOI.
Earlier on last month, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had sent letters to all the state board associations regarding the domestic tournament mentioning it might be held but in a shorter form. “The intent was always there but circumstances haven’t really changed. Ganguly’s letter was a little too early in the day,” the source added.
“First, the state government permissions would be required. Then the city-specific municipalities will need to give a go-ahead. And even if that happens, preparing a bio-secure bubble for 37 Ranji teams, five Duleep Trophy teams, and the several other domestic teams would be next to impossible. Travel and accommodation will be another concern. It’s not feasible,” said those tracking developments.
BCCI might face criticism for managing the IPL 2020 but not the traditional domestic cricket events. The 13th edition of IPL is set to kick off from September 19 in the UAE. Mumbai Indians will take on Chennai Super Kings in the opening match of the IPL 2020, the full schedule was announced on Sunday (September 6).
