Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes Indian cricket won’t go an inch forward without the Ranji Trophy. The four-day game competition is India’s most prestigious tournament and has unearthed many talents.
Ranji Trophy didn’t take place in the last two seasons amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the tournament will take place this year but in two phases. The first phase will take place before IPL 2022 while the second phase will be after the cash-rich league.
Amid these announcements, former India cricketer Ravi Shastri has highlighted the profound importance of the Ranji Trophy. Taking to Twitter, the celebrated individual wrote:
“The Ranji Trophy is the backbone of Indian cricket. The moment you start ignoring it our cricket will be SPINELESS.”
The Ranji Trophy is the backbone of Indian cricket. The moment you start ignoring it our cricket will be SPINELESS!
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) January 28, 2022
Renowned sports broadcaster Harshal Bhogle has also stressed the importance of the prestigious tournament. Bhogle applauded the BCCI for hosting the premier competition, saying that it is necessary for Indian cricket.
“Excellent initiative to try and get the Ranji Trophy going. It was much needed for both, the first-class cricketers and, in a larger context, for Indian cricket,” tweeted Harsha Bhogle.
Excellent initiative to try and get the Ranji Trophy going. It was much needed for both, the first class cricketers and, in a larger context, for Indian cricket
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 28, 2022
Ranji Trophy to be played in two phases – Jay Shah
BCCI secretary Jay Shah has revealed a plan for the two-phase conduct of the Ranji Trophy tournament in 2022.
“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 told in a statement.
He further confirmed that a dedicated team is working closely to mitigate any health issues and at the same time host the premier domestic competition.
“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,” the statement added.