Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely planning to organise Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before Ranji Trophy in a bid to provide the franchises options for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 auctions.
According to Scroll, an official well known to BCCI’s development stated that two to three IPL franchises have weak Indian talent in their squad. So, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s T20 domestic tournament, will help them to scout talented players ahead of the IPL 2021 auction. And with less time left for the auction, the board is planning to hold the T20 tournament before the country’s first-class tournament.
“Yes, the IPL auctions this year will be important for at least two to three teams which is weak on Indian talent. For their talent scouts, IPL will be an absolute necessity. So it’s only logical that Mushtaq Ali happens before Ranji Trophy,” the BCCI official was quoted as saying by Scroll.
Bio-bubble to be created for teams participating in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy:
As COVID-19 cases in many Indian states have not lowered, BCCI will reach only 10 states to create a bio-bubble for the participating six teams, and if the states are ready to host, the board will arrange the full Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy within two weeks.
“There are at least 10 state units that will be approached and asked if they can create a bio-secure environment. The BCCI feels that if six out of 10 units give a positive response, then Mushtaq Ali can be completed in a two-week window and Ranji Trophy can start,” the official added.
Earlier, it was reported that BCCI was looking to have a mega auction for IPL 2021 as some teams have demanded it. However, no official statement has been released on this, but Sourav Ganguly had informed that the 14th edition of the tournament would be hosted in April and May next year.