In a major development in the BCCI, the board is looking to organise The Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy before the Raji Trophy season begins. The shift has been made keeping the IPL 2021 auctions in mind. Also, the domestic season will be a curtailed one, keeping in mind the COVID-19 protocols within the BCCI. The board has already started sending messages to cricket associations with multiple grounds to start preparing bio-bubbles in their respective cities.
“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 its only logical that Mushtaq Ali happens before Ranji Trophy,” a state unit official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
BCCI LikelyTo Organise Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Before IPL 2021 Auction
The official informed that BCCI is looking at those state units where there are at least three grounds within manageable distance with five-star facilities.
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“There are at least 10 state units that will be approached and asked if they can create bio-secure environment. The BCCI feels that if 6 out of 10 units give a positive response, then Mushtaq Ali can be completed in a two-week window and Ranji Trophy can start,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Cricket Association of Bengal is one of the chosen grounds with three grounds available — Eden Gardens, JU (Salt Lake) and Kalyani.
He further said that the CAB has already secured two hotels to keep six teams in a bio-secure bubble.
“The CAB had zeroed in on two hotels — Novotel and Hyatt for keeping the six teams in bio-secure environment. However, Hyatt said that it will be difficult for them to provide exclusive hotel staff (room service and housekeeping) for bio-bubble.”
Meanwhile. the BCCI has asked the franchises to wait to know the dates for IPL 2021 auctions after some of the franchise owners did not seem interested to go in the auction again.
“Few IPL franchises approached the BCCI to seek clarity on the issue. They were told that they will be getting a much clearer idea in the second half December,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying to The Times of India.
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