The highly anticipated Irani Cup clash, initially scheduled to be held in Mumbai, is now set to be relocated, owing to the prolonged monsoon season that has affected the city.
Monsoon forces change in Irani Cup venue
Mumbai, known for its iconic Wankhede Stadium, was originally slated to host this prestigious five-day match between Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai and the Rest of India team. However, with the extended rainy season making conditions unsuitable for such an important game, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been forced to reconsider the venue as per TOI.
Irani Cup 2024-2025 is set to be held from upcoming October 1 to October 5.
This shift comes after the BCCI had formally announced the 2024-25 domestic cricket calendar, which placed the Irani Cup in Mumbai. But the continued wet spell has made it clear that hosting the game in the city would be impractical, especially considering the five-day duration and the importance of the event in the domestic circuit.
Possible New venues for Irani Cup tie
With Mumbai no longer in the running, two alternative venues have emerged as frontrunners to host the match: the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Both stadiums are capable of accommodating the grandeur of the Irani Cup and have the infrastructure to handle such a marquee event under dry conditions.
Ranji Champions look to continue momentum
The Mumbai team, led by veteran Ajinkya Rahane, secured the Ranji Trophy in March 2024 with a commanding 169-run victory over Vidarbha at the Wankhede Stadium. The upcoming Irani Cup will give Rahane and his team a chance to extend their dominance, even though the venue shift means they won’t have the home advantage they initially expected.
The decision regarding the new location of the Irani Cup tie is expected to be announced soon, with fans eagerly awaiting confirmation.
