‘BCCI will do everything to restart the domestic season’ – Sourav Ganguly on Ranji Trophy 2022 being put on hold

While the BCCI on Tuesday had to, unfortunately, put the upcoming season of the Ranji Trophy on hold, their president Sourav Ganguly has assured one and all that they will do everything in their hand to restart the tournament. The domestic tournament was initially all set to commence towards the end of this month. However, a surge in COVID-19 cases meant that several major tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, had to be postponed.

It is to be noted that the first-class tournament was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. The former Indian captain however was hopeful of them hosting it once the COVID-19 situation is under control. He went on to cite the imminent threat to the players and officials due to the virus.

“As you are aware, we had to put on hold the currently on-going domestic season due to the worsening COVID-19 situation. The COVID cases are rapidly increasing and there were multiple positive cases in many teams. It posed an imminent threat to the health and safety of players, officials and all others related to the running of the tournaments,” read Sourav Ganguly’s mail to presidents and secretaries, as quoted by The New Indian Express.

We are committed to holding the remaining tournaments for this season: Sourav Ganguly

The 49-year-old however stressed the fact that the board will do everything to ensure that all the domestic tournaments take place. He assured everyone that the BCCI would be back with a revised plan as well. Last but not the least, the former batter thanked the concerned authorities and individuals for their support in his mail.

“The BCCI would like to reassure that it will do everything to restart the domestic season once the COVID situation is under control. We are committed to holding the remaining tournaments for this season. The board will shortly come back to you with a revised plan. I thank you for your support and understanding. Please look after yourself and stay safe and healthy,” further read his mail.

Another important point to be noted is the fact that several members of the Bengal squad had tested positive for COVID-19. Even Mumbai’s all-rounder Shivam Dube, and the video analyst of his team were tested positive. Major cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata and New Delhi have seen a rise in the number of cases of late and thus, the current scenario doesn’t look too promising.