Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday (December 13) has announced that the much-delayed 2020-21 domestic season will commence with the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, starting from January 10 and concluding on 31st of the same month.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament will take place in six different states where a bio-secure environment will be set-up. All the participating teams will be expected to report to their respective bio-bubbles on January 2, 2021.
According to a report by PTI, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has aptly e-mailed all the concerned state units that the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament will kickstart the domestic season. However, there is still no clearness as to when the desired Ranji Trophy will begin.
“After having gone through your responses and in accordance with the feedback received, I am pleased to inform you that BCCI is planning to start the domestic season 2020-21 with the scheduling of the T20 tournament for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy,” Shah wrote to the state associations.
“By Saturday, January 2, 2021, teams will have to assemble in their respective hub. From Sunday, January 10, 2021, tournament will start and the final will be played on January 31, 2021.” he added.
It is realized that the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy will take place in January since the BCCI is eager to stage the mega IPL auction in February, a month before IPL 2021.
Meanwhile, Shah further added that a decision regarding the staging of Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare 50-over Trophy will be taken once the group-stage of Syed Mushtaq Ali gets overs. The suggestions from all the stakeholders will be considered in before the final decision is taken.
“BCCI will subsequently seek feedback from the members on organising any other domestic tournament after the group stage of Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy,” he said. “The members are requested to factor a subsequent tournament in their planning and make arrangements accordingly,” Shah signed off.
