BCCI suspends all age-group tournaments amid rising COVID-19 cases

So, it seems like the coronavirus is going to cause more damage. First, it was announced that the remaining matches of the limited-overs series between India and England will be played without any spectators. And now, news has come in that the age group tournaments have been suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

In a letter, Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary had stated that the 2021 domestic season was delayed due to the lockdown that was imposed throughout the country because of Covid-19. And as a result, the domestic season could start only in January this year.

Shah also wrote in the letter that the BCCI began by hosting the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the IPL auction, and followed that up by conducting the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well. The Women’s Senior Trophy is also going on, with the tournament scheduled to end on 4th April 2021.

“The domestic season 2020-21 started unusually late owing to the countrywide lockdown on account of the global pandemic. The pandemic meant that we had to wait until January 2021 to start our domestic season. We began by hosting the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy ahead of the IPL Auction. Followed by the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which was successfully conducted at different centers in India. The Women’s Senior One Day Trophy is also currently underway at different centers, with the final scheduled to take place on 4th April,” wrote Shah in his letter.

“Prevailing circumstances have now forced us to suspend all age-group tournaments,” writes BCCI secretary

Shah also wrote in his letter that the current situation has forced the BCCI to suspend all age-group tournaments. Adding that the active corona cases around the country were on the rise, he revealed that organizing tournaments would require intercity travel and strict quarantine measures, and the proper maintenance of a bio bubble.

“While our endeavor was to get in as many matches as was practicable across different age groups in the season, prevailing circumstances have now forced us to suspend all age-group tournaments. Active COVID cases are on the rise and organizing tournaments requires intercity travel, strict quarantine measures, and the creation and maintenance of bio-secure bubbles for the participants,” added Shah.

The BCCI secretary concluded by stating that the BCCI will continue to explore a window for organizing tournaments post the 2021 IPL edition.

“Furthermore, our players’ health, safety, and well-being are our primary concern. I assure you that we will continue exploring a window for organizing the age-group tournaments post the IPL 2021,” concluded Shah.

The 2021 edition of the IPL will commence on 9th April 2021.