Ranji Trophy scrapped for 2020/21, Vijay Hazare Trophy gets go-ahead
What's the story
In a major development, India's premier domestic tournament Ranji Trophy won't be held in the truncated 2020/21 season.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to conduct the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy and the senior women's One-Day tournament in its place.
In a letter to state associations on Friday, BCCI secretary Jay Shah highlighted the same.
Here is more.
Letter
Shah shares the details of domestic season 2020/21
In the letter, Shah wrote, "It's important for us to ensure that women's cricket takes place and I am extremely happy to inform you that we're 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."
Tournament
Vijay Hazare Trophy to take place next month
It is understood that Vijay Hazare Trophy will take place in six designated bio bubbles next month.
The venues will be finalized next week, while the teams will enter the bio-bubble in the first week of February.
Notably, the tournament is expected to run for a month.
This leaves less time for planning as the IPL could start by the end of March.
Format
Shorter format favored over Ranji Trophy
The BCCI had consulted the state cricket associations about the format of domestic tournaments for the season.
It has been learned that a majority of them were in favor of the 50-over format over the four-day Ranji Trophy.
However, the BCCI has decided to compensate domestic players for the match fees they usually earn during the Ranji Trophy, nearly Rs. 45,000 a day.
Do you know?
No Ranji Trophy for the first time since 1934/35
It is interesting to note that Ranji Trophy won't be held for the first time since its inception in 1934/35. The inaugural edition was won by Bombay (Mumbai), who beat Northern India in the final. Meanwhile, Saurashtra were crowned champions in the last season (2019/20).
Support
Shah thanks the members for their support
In the letter, Shah further thanked the members for the constant support.
"The pandemic has tested each and every one of us and there is no life that has remain 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," he added.
Development
International cricket returns to India
As far as the IPL is concerned, the auction is set to be held on February 18 in Chennai.
Thereafter, the tournament could start by the end of March.
Meanwhile, international cricket in India will commence with the first of the four-Test series between India and England on February 5.
The Test series will be followed by five T20Is and a three-match ODI series.