Sourav Ganguly, who is the current BCCI President has given assurance to all state associations that domestic cricket will start as soon as the situation improves amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. But, he stayed away from divulging the exact date of the start of the season.
The domestic season usually starts in August in India but the coronavirus pandemic has ensured cancellations and postponements of various cricket matches and tournaments besides wreaking havoc with the cricketing calendar.
Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly’s letter to state associations on Thursday made it clear that the board is yet to decide the date of commencement and scheduling of the tourneys.
Sourav Ganguly Informs BCCI Monitoring All Aspect To Resume Cricket
It is expected that the domestic season will begin with the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, approximately from the third week of November.
“…the BCCI is making all efforts to ensure that domestic cricket resumes as and when the conditions permit. The health and safety of players and all other involved in domestic cricket is of utmost importance to BCCI and we are constantly monitoring all aspects,” Sourav Ganguly wrote in the letter to presidents and secretaries of the its affiliated member associations.
“All members will be duly informed about the future course of action and suggestions will be taken before we resume domestic cricket.”
He said the BCCI was optimistic that the subdued situation due to coronavirus disease will improve in the forthcoming months and domestic cricket will resume in a safe and bio-secure environment benefitting the cricketers.
The domestic competitions include Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, Irani Cup, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Deodhar Trophy and Challenger Trophy. BCCI may cancel some of the tournaments or may extend the season.
Sourav Ganguly Mentions India Ready For T20I World Cup In 2021
Sourav Ganguly also informed the members present in the meeting about India’s commitments in the Future Tours Programme (FTP), including scheduled tours of Australia in later 2020 and also the tour by England in early 2021.
He said that India is all set and upbeat to host the T20 World Cup next year and the ODI World Cup in 2023.
“The BCCI and the Indian cricket team will continue to fulfil its FTP commitments. The senior Indian men’s team will travel to Australia for its series starting in December this year, and will come back to the country for a series against England starting February next year.
“This will be followed by IPL 2021 in April,” Sourav Ganguly said.
“The BCCI contiues to be the host for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 and the 50-over ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023,” he said.
The former Indian captain also commented that the BCCI is working out on future tours of the Indian women’s team which are “under consideration” but refrained from divulging further details.