Ranji Trophy 2022: Ranji Trophy in two phases – Ranji Trophy is finally back on track with the coveted red-ball domestic tournament to take place in two phases — before and after IPL 2022. BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed that all the league-stage games would be held in the first phase. Follow Ranji Trophy 2022 Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Ranji Trophy had to be postponed for the second consecutive season due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, the domestic red-ball tournament was cancelled due to the second wave. But this time, the BCCI was determined to get it back on track.
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 2022: Jay Shah confirms, ‘Ranji Trophy back on track, will be held in two phases, knockouts after IPL
“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. 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,” Jay Shah said in an official statement.
As the cases have receded and hospitalisation is less in number, the BCCI has decided to go ahead. But with IPL 2022, it has to be split in two. The first phase — the group stage — will be held before IPL that is March 27 and the knockout phase after the IPL 2022, in June. The IPL will go on till May.
“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,” he added.
Ranji Trophy 2022: Jay Shah confirms, ‘Ranji Trophy back on track, will be held in two phases, knockouts after IPL
Earlier, former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri on Friday said that the Ranji Trophy is the backbone of Indian cricket and the premier domestic red-ball tournament should not be ignored.
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
Ranji Trophy 2022: Jay Shah confirms, ‘Ranji Trophy back on track, will be held in two phases, knockouts after IPL
“The Ranji Trophy is the backbone of Indian cricket. The moment you start ignoring it, our cricket will be SPINELESS,” tweeted Shastri.
On January 4, the BCCI had postponed the Ranji Trophy due to rising COVID-19 cases in the country. The Ranji Trophy and Col CK Nayudu Trophy were scheduled to begin in January this year.
Last season as well, Ranji Trophy was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 will get underway in March end and the tournament will get over in May, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had earlier confirmed.
Ranji Trophy 2022: Jay Shah confirms, ‘Ranji Trophy back on track, will be held in two phases, knockouts after IPL
