Due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation, the Board of Control for Cricket In India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah informed that the board has decided to suspend all age-group competitions like the upcoming Vinoo Mankad Trophy. The further situation would be assessed after the end of IPL 2021. Travelling is not feasible during the pandemic and keeping the competitions would mean that the players would have to travel internally and that might be a problem. Creation of bio-bubbles is also a task in itself.
Jay Shah informed this through a letter which was accessed by ANI. The letter read: “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 and as discussed in the 89th AGM, we began our season by hosting the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy ahead of the IPL Auction.”
“The Women’s Senior One Day Trophy is also currently underway at different centres with the final scheduled to take place on 4th April. 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. This is on account of the fact that active COVID cases are on the rise and organising tournaments requires intercity travel, strict quarantine measures and the creation and maintenance of bio-secure bubbles for the participants,” Shah continued.
Jay Shah expressed his concerns about the 10th and 12th board exams. The number of players that participate in BCCI tournaments and simultaneously also give their exams is immense, thus it’s important to think about these students as well.
“Moreover, the situation is presently not conducive in some states. Considering the fact that the 10th and 12th board examinations are also around the corner across India, it is prudent that our young athletes have the opportunity to prepare and focus on these crucial examinations.
“Furthermore, our players’ health, safety and well-being are our primary concern. I assure you that we will continue exploring a window for organising the age-group tournaments post the IPL 2021,” he concluded.