New Delhi, Jan 28 (Agency) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah on Friday announced the Ranji Trophy will be conducted in two-phase this year. “The Board has decided to conduct the Ranji Trophy this season in two phases. In the first phase, we plan to complete all matches of the league stage while the knockouts will be held in June,” Shah was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
“My team is working closely to mitigate any kind of health risk caused by the pandemic, while at the same time ensuring a highly competitive red-ball cricket contest.” “Ranji Trophy is our most prestigious domestic competition, which has been providing Indian Cricket with an enviable talent pool every year. It is absolutely important that we take all necessary steps to safeguard the interest of this premier event,” he added.
Former India cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri in a tweet described Ranji Trophy as the backbone of Indian cricket. “The Ranji Trophy is the backbone of Indian cricket. The moment you start ignoring it, our cricket will be SPINELESS!,” Shastri said. On January 4, the BCCI announced postponement of the domestic trophy in the wake of rising Covid-19 cases. Last year, the tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic.