BCCI Declines Bengal’s Request To Reschedule Domestic Games, Here’s the Reason

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently denied a request from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to reschedule two of its domestic matches due to the threat posed by Cyclone Dana. With Cyclone Dana projected to affect areas in West Bengal, CAB requested a delay for the Ranji Trophy and U-23 Col CK Naidu Trophy games, expressing concerns about player safety.

Understanding the Request from CAB

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) sought to delay matches to prioritize player safety amid the cyclone threat. Concerned about the severe weather, CAB emphasized the potential danger to players, fans, and staff involved in these games.

The BCCI decided to keep the games on schedule, citing its commitment to maintaining the continuity of the domestic cricket calendar. The organization has a policy of not rescheduling matches unless necessary, to ensure that competitions run smoothly.

The cyclone poses a significant risk to Bengal’s matches, with heavy rain and strong winds predicted to hit Kolkata and Kalyani. These conditions could disrupt the Bengal senior team’s match against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy, set to take place at the Jadavpur University Campus Ground in Kolkata. Additionally, the Bengal U-23 team is scheduled to play Railways at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani, an area that recently experienced severe rainfall, leading to a washout of previous matches.

Details of the Affected Matches

The first affected match is Bengal’s Ranji Trophy game against Kerala, taking place at Jadavpur University Campus’ second ground in Kolkata. Scheduled for Saturday, this game marks the third round of the Ranji Trophy season. The second match is the Bengal U-23’s game against Railways, scheduled to be held at Kalyani from October 27 to 30. Both locations are under the threat of Cyclone Dana, heightening the risk of disruptions.

Beyond weather concerns, CAB also requested additional rest time between games to allow Bengal players adequate recovery. After the match against Kerala, Bengal’s team faces a rapid turnaround, traveling to play Karnataka in Bengaluru on November 6. CAB’s proposal for a break was also turned down, adding to the physical demands on the players.

Bengal Team Preparations Amid Player Absences

The Bengal senior team faces further challenges due to the absence of three key players: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Abhishek Porel, and Mukesh Kumar, all selected for India A’s tour of Australia. These absences affect the team’s strength and preparation as they compete without some of their top talents, putting additional pressure on the remaining players to perform in challenging weather conditions.

Adverse weather like cyclones can pose serious risks to player safety, from slippery fields to reduced visibility and hazardous winds. The BCCI, while maintaining the schedule, is likely relying on local stadium and emergency services to monitor and implement any required safety protocols.