Ranji Trophy 2021-22: BCCI likely to make changes in format for the season

With COVID-19 affecting the schedule of upcoming Ranji Trophy matches, BCCI is mulling to have format changes in the tournament to ease out the process. The next Ranji season is expected to get underway between February 13-17 with mostly neutral venues staging the action but a few teams might get to perform at home. It has been reported that nine cities have been chalked out to stage home matches and the decision has been taken to cut down the travel.

In this process, the states getting home matches will not have to board flights and it will help curtail the risk of COVID-19 infection. As per the reports by Cricbuzz, two plans are in talks amid BCCI authorities wherein tournament might commence at nine different venues with groups based on Elite and Plate teams.

As per one plan, the finalists are expected to get a maximum of eight games which included three league games as well. On the other hand, the bottom-most team, out of the 24, might end its outing in just three games. Talking of another plan, the top two teams might get a maximum of seven games with only three games for the other 16 teams.

Several plans under consideration for the upcoming Ranji Trophy

The board stated that a plan can go for eight groups comprising four teams on the Elite side and six teams in Plate Division. It has to be noted that this setup is different from previous year’s where two sides Chandigarh and Bihar would not be part of the Plate Division.

The same report added that 32 elite teams will be in eight groups with four sides in each group. Plate Group with six teams will remain a separate part.  The top side from each Elite Group will qualify for further rounds (Super League) and further two from here will contest for semifinals.

Another plan under discussion is that two Elite teams from a group might qualify for the top 16, the pre-quarterfinals stage, and the knockouts might begin from this point. The Plate teams would not be able to dream for the title but will have a chance to qualify for Elite Division (two teams) for next year.