BCCI is all set to stage the Ranji Trophy 2022 between February 16 to March 5. The operations team has given this date and the board is focusing on low-risk state associations where they can host matches.
Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Cuttack are the likely venues for the Elite Group matches. Eight groups of four teams each will feature this time, with the 6 team plate group matches scheduled to be held simultaneously.
BCCI Announced Postponement Of Ranji Trophy After Rescheduling Start Of The Domestic Tournament Due To Covid-19 Cases Increasing
The BCCI, after its apex council meeting in January, announced the postponement of the Ranji Trophy after rescheduling the start of the tournament multiple times in the wake of rising Covid-19 cases in the country.
However, the pressure was mounting on the board with players expressing their concern at the possibility of the Ranji Trophy’s cancellation for the 2nd successive season. The premier domestic tournament was not held in the 2020-21 season but the players were compensated for the cancelled domestic matches earlier this year.
The Ranji Trophy, which was cancelled for the first time ever in its rich history, is crucial not only for the financial security of the players, match officials and groundsmen, but it is also the backbone of Indian cricket.
The competition also poses a big logistical challenge for the BCCI amid the pandemic. The bio-security bubbles during the white-ball competitions earlier in the season were not strict enough and more vigilance will be needed for smooth conduct of the tournament
Ranji Trophy Final In 2020 Was The Last Time Red Ball Cricket Took Place In India
No red-ball cricket has taken place in India since the Ranji Trophy final in March 2020. Domestic cricketers, who were compensated for the cancellation of the Ranji Trophy last season, had expressed elation when BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced last week that the red ball event will be held in two phases. The knockouts will be held in June.
Red ball domestic cricket in India will make a much-awaited return after two years when the league stage of the Ranji Trophy is held from February 16 to March 5, as per the revised schedule prepared by the BCCI.
The 2021-22 edition of the Ranji Trophy, which will be divided into two phases— pre and post IPL 2022— will kick off on February 16. The group stage games of the Elite group stage will be played till March 5.