Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) to stage T20 League from September 15, MS Dhoni to miss due to IPL 2020 commitments

Amid coronavirus pandemic, cricket in India has been at a halt since March. International, as well as domestic cricket scenario across the country, has taken a toll since many months due to a surge in COVID-19 positive cases.

Post COVID-19 hiatus, the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) is set to become the first state board to resume competitive cricket. None of the boards affiliated to BCCI has conducted any league since March owing to the pandemic. JSCA, meanwhile, is set to roll out its own T20 league.

However, several renowned players like MS Dhoni, Ishan Kishan and Varun Aaron won’t be part of the league as they are currently in the UAE for IPL 2020. The state association has already informed players about their selection as they will also have to submit their COVID-19 reports as per the protocol. The tournament will span across 33-days and it will also be streamed live, as reported ESPNcricinfo.

Nearly 100 players will be part of the tournament

“The six teams representing six zones include Ranchi Raiders, Dumka Daredevils, Dhanbad Dynamos, Singhbhum Strikers, Jamshedpur Jugglers and Bokaro Blasters. The teams shall comprise only of players who are registered with the JSCA from the state of Jharkhand. Nearly 100 players will be part of the tournament. There will be no franchises or team owners,” JSCA secretary Sanjay Sahay told The Telegraph.

India has been witnessing over 90,000 coronavirus positive cases for a few days and considering the surge, the tournament could emerge as a major boost for competitive cricket in the country.

The pandemic also saw this year’s IPL being shited to the UAE. After many delays, the much-awaited tournament will be hosted in the Gulf country from September 19th. Indian cricket team’s last international action was in March 2020 when the board was forced to postpone three ODIs against South Africa. Along with men’s IPL, the BCCI has confirmed that it will organise women’s IPL this season as well.

Considering the present situation, the possibility of BCCI hosting domestic cricket, which involves over 10,00 players across different levels, looks vague. The board might not be able to stage any competitive cricket in 2020/21 season due to the prevailing situation across the country.