The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has turned down Saurashtra Cricket Association's (SCA) plea to allow Ravindra Jadeja feature in the upcoming Ranji Trophy final. Notably, Saurashtra scripted an emphatic victory over Gujarat to set up a date with Bengal in the title clash starting from March 9 (Monday) at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.
Meanwhile, unlike Jadeja, India's Test regulars Cheteshwar Pujara and Wriddhiman Saha will feature in the finals of premier domestic tournament for Saurashtra and Bengal respectively. This will bolster both the sides ahead of the all-important clash. However, since Ravindra Jadeja is part of the Indian ODI team that plays its first game against South Africa on March 12, he won’t be released to play the final that gets underway on March 9 in Rajkot.
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SCA President Jaydev Shah had requested BCCI to allow Jadeja play the Ranji Trophy final which was turned down by President Sourav Ganguly, stating the country comes first. Meanwhile, Bengal will also miss their star campaigner Mohammed Shami as he will be busy with international commitments.
“I spoke to him [Ganguly] and was told that the board can’t allow Jadeja to play Ranji as country comes first,” Shah revealed according to the Indian Express.
Jaydev Shah was clearly not happy with BCCI's decision and went on to say that no international matches should be scheduled during Ranji Trophy final. He also made a reference to the board policy with IPL to state his case.
"If BCCI wants people to watch their premier domestic cricket then no international game should be held during Ranji final, henceforth. It’s my suggestion. Will BCCI keep an international match during IPL? No, because it gives money. Ranji Trophy can only be popularised if star players play at least in the finals. Don’t keep any international cricket during finals, have a proper window,” said the former Saurashtra captain.
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“I would have loved to see him (Jadeja) play the Ranji Trophy final for us, why only Jadeja, I would have loved to see Mohammad Shami (for Bengal) also,” he concluded.
Saurashtra, who has made it to the finals four times in the last eight years are keen to lift the trophy this time around. On the other hand, Bengal also look upbeat and confident to end the deadlock and the bring home the trophy for the second time.
