The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may start the revised domestic season due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in January, keeping in mind the auction of players for the next season of Indian Premier League (IPL 2021).
Meanwhile, BCCI has already indicated to some state associations that have several grounds and five-star hotels to create a safe environment for at least three teams to guard against Corona.
“Yes, the IPL auctions this year will be important for at least two to three teams which is weak on Indian talent. For their talent scouts, IPL will be an absolute necessity. So it is only logical that Mushtaq Ali happens before Ranji Trophy,” a state unit official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
The official said that the BCCI is looking at the state associations where there are at least three grounds with the facilities of five-star hotels.
“There are at least 10 state units that will be approached and asked if they can create a bio-secure environment. The BCCI feels that if 6 out of 10 units give a positive response, then Mushtaq Ali can be completed in a two-week window and Ranji Trophy can start,” he said.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India believes that if six out of 10 units also respond positively, then the Mushtaq Ali Trophy can be held during a two-week window and the Ranji Trophy will start after that.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) could be one of the possible hosts of this National T20 Championship as it has three stadiums in the form of Eden Gardens, Salt Lake and Kalyani.
CAB is going to organize six clubs inaugural T20 league. Everyone will have their eyes on this league as it will be an indication if the state unit is capable of creating a bio bubble.
“The CAB had zeroed in on two hotels — Novotel and Hyatt for keeping the six teams in the bio-secure environment. However, Hyatt said that it will be difficult for them to provide exclusive hotel staff (room service and housekeeping) for bio-bubble.
“So CAB has booked 80 rooms for 6 teams and two complete floors to create a bio-bubble,” a senior CAB official privy to the development told PTI.
If the bio-bubble in club tournament works without any hindrance, CAB can at least host one group of matches of Mushtaq Ali in Kolkata and Kalyani.
