Sourav Ganguly

Breaking an 87-year-old streak, the BCCI will not be conducting Ranji Trophy in 2021. Instead, the board has opted for the Vijay Hazare Trophy this year after majority of the state units demanded for it. Moreover, for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, an Under-19 tournament will be held. However, it is expected that the board will provide financial assistance to the Ranji Trophy players as they would not be able to get match fees this year. 

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has proposed the state cricket associations with four options for a shortened 2020-21 domestic season. The board has planned to hold the tournaments in six bio-secure bubbles where 38 teams will be divided into five elite groups and one plate group. Moreover, BCCI has demanded a minimum of three broadcast-friendly venues in the six hosting cities. 

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has announced the Indian domestic cricket season will begin from January 1, 2021. The decision was taken during the BCCI Apex Council meeting on October 17. The matches are likely to be held in four different centers, dividing the four groups into A, B, C, and Plate in order to reduce travel. Ganguly also mentioned that the Ranji Trophy, junior and women's tournament will be held next year.

Going by the reports, Cricket Australia is likely to turn down the BCCI's request to reduce the quarantine duration for players in Brisbane ahead of India's Australian tour in December. Australian newspaper Sydney Morning Herald reported that the health officials are set to follow a strict safety protocol that requires the players to undergo a two-week quarantine before training. Earlier, the request was made by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly… read-more

On September 9, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly left for Dubai to supervise the preparations for a bio-secure IPL. With posting a picture on Instagram before boarding the flight, Ganguly wrote, “My first flight in 6 months to Dubai for IPL…crazy life changes”. Reportedly, a loss of Rs 4,000 crore would have been suffered by the BCCI if the tournament had to be cancelled. The tournament will begin from September 19.