File image of the Ranji Trophy (TOI Photo)
MUMBAI: The Ranji Trophy and the Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy are the only two domestic tournaments that will be played in the country at the senior level this coming season due to the raging coronavirus pandemic.
Normally, the domestic season begins in September. However, grappling with paucity of time after the IPL was rescheduled from September 19 to November 10, the BCCI has decided to axe the Duleep Trophy, the Deodhar Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy for this season.
As per a tentative schedule (a copy is with TOI) for this season drawn up by batting legend Rahul Dravid, who is the National Cricket Academy (NCA) head, and interim IPL CEO Hemang Amin, the Mushtaq Ali Trophy will begin from November 19, just after the IPL, and culminate on December 7, while the Ranji Trophy will kick off from December 13 and end on March 10.
It means that last season’s Ranji Trophy champions Saurashtra will be denied a chance to play the traditional Irani Cup tie against Rest of India. The Mushtaq Ali T20 tourney, on the other hand, will help the IPL franchises get a closer look at fresh domestic talent ahead of the mega IPL auction that will be held either in December or January.
The entire schedule, though, depends on the Covid-19 situation improving in the country.
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