By Baidurjo Bhose
New Delhi [India], January 30 (ANI): After successfully organising the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to host the Vijay Hazare 50-over tournament, the senior women’s one-dayers, and the Vinoo Mankad Trophy — U19 limited-overs tournament.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah in his letter to the state associations, accessed by ANI, informed them that the decision was taken with an eye on the coronavirus pandemic and the feedback of the state bodies.
“The pandemic has tested each and every one of us and there is no life that has remain untouched by it, and while it has been difficult, your support has meant that we have been able to resume both domestic and international cricket in the men’s category.
“As you are aware, we have lost a lot of time and consequently, it has been difficult to plan the cricket calendar on account of the precautions that are necessary for the safe conduct of the games.
“However, it was extremely important for us to ensure that women’s cricket takes place and I am extremely happy to inform you that we are going to conduct the Senior Women’s One-day tournament simultaneously with the Vijay Hazare Trophy and follow it up with Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under 19. This has been decided after having received your feedback on the domestic season 2020-21,” he wrote.
Speaking to ANI, a woman player welcomed the move and thanked the BCCI. “This is excellent news for women’s cricket. We have been practising hard but now with the certainty of the tournament, the motivation levels are up,” she said.
Having impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, a cricketer said the Vijay Hazare would give domestic players more time to impress before the IPL.
“I hope we can get a couple of games before the IPL auction. This will give a few more players the opportunity to impress a franchise or two,” he told ANI.
With an eye on the coronavirus pandemic, the BCCI had asked the state associations to give their feedback on how they wish for the rest of the 2020-21 domestic season to play out. And most state bodies called for the 50-over tournament as that would be logistically easier to organise. The organisation of the women’s one-dayers and the U-19 tournament for the boys comes as a big boost for domestic players. (ANI)
