The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has turned down the request from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to postpone Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Kerala, despite concerns over Cyclone Dana. CAB had approached the BCCI, asking for a delay of a couple of days due to the expected effect of the cyclone on Kolkata. However, the BCCI refused the request to avoid disrupting the overall Ranji Trophy schedule.
On Wednesday, heavy rainfall hit Kolkata and nearby districts as Cyclone Dana moved northwestward. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the north-western Bay of Bengal by Friday. With weather conditions worsening, CAB raised concerns about the impact of the cyclone on the upcoming match, scheduled to be held on Saturday.
Bengal vs Bihar washout & venue shift
This isn’t the first weather-related issue to plague Bengal’s Ranji Trophy campaign. Their previous match against Bihar, held in Kalyani, was washed out due to a wet outfield, despite clear skies on matchdays. Poor ground management at the venue rendered the match unplayable, frustrating both teams.
In light of that incident, and with Cyclone Dana on the horizon, the CAB has shifted the venue for the Kerala fixture from Kalyani to the Jadavpur University Second Campus ground in Kolkata. This change aims to avoid a repeat of the previous match’s mismanagement and ensure the game takes place, though concerns remain regarding weather conditions.
Ranji schedule uncompromised
Despite the looming cyclone, the BCCI’s decision to reject CAB’s request reflects the strictness of maintaining the Ranji cycle. As Bengal prepares to face Kerala under challenging circumstances, all eyes will be on the weather and the resilience of both teams. The next few days could determine whether the match proceeds smoothly or faces further disruptions from Cyclone Dana.
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