BCCI suspends junior-cricket tournaments due to surge in COVID-19 cases
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended junior inter-state tournaments at least till the end of May due to a rise in COVID-19 cases across the country. Secretary Jay Shah informed the BCCI affiliates about the decision through an email on Tuesday. He also assured that a new window will be explored to re-organize the age-group tournaments. Here is more.
"While our endeavor was to get in as many matches as was practicable across different age groups in the season, prevailing circumstances have now forced us to suspend all age-group tournaments," Shah stated in the email, accessed by Sportstar.
Shah further stated that organizing the tournaments will bring logistical challenges. "This is on account of the fact that active COVID cases are on the rise and organising tournaments requires intercity travel, strict quarantine measures and the creation and maintenance of bio-secure bubbles for the participants. Moreover, the situation is presently not conducive in some states," added Shah.
The BCCI has already organized List A tournaments for senior men; the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, after the resumption of cricket. The Women's Senior One-Day Trophy 2020/21 is also underway and will conclude on April 4. Notably, the BCCI has decided not to host the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and the Cooch Behar Trophy at least till the end of IPL.
Shah also said the postponement will help young athletes prepare better for examinations. "Considering the fact that the 10th and 12th Board Examinations are also around the corner across India, it is prudent that our young athletes have the opportunity to prepare and focus on these crucial examinations. Furthermore, our players' health, safety and well-being are our primary concern," he concluded.
