IPL 2021 auction forces states to prefer Mushtaq Ali Trophy over Ranji Trophy?

India's domestic season is yet to get underway as COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a major hurdle towards resumption of cricket activities. In order to start domestic season, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently asked state associations' on structure of shortened season as it plans to create six bio-secure hubs across country between December and March.

According to earlier PTI  report, board has proposed 67 days for Ranji Trophy (January 11-March 18), 22 days for  Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament (December 20 to January 10) while Vijay Hazare Trophy, if held, can be conducted between January 11 to February 7 for a period of 28 days. However, it looks like BCCI's suggestion has t been accepted by some state associations, who in turn have asked for change of dates for Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament.

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IPL 2021 auction: Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI asked to postpone Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament

With multiple media reports suggesting that IPL 2021 auction happening at start of next year, PTI in its latest report has reported that top domestic sides like Karnataka, Saurashtra and Punjab have officially requested BCCI to conduct Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament from January instead of proposed December 20 date as y would be short of preparations for a big-ticket event like this. Reportedly, Karnataka is only state that wants all tournaments (Ranji Trophy, Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy) this season.

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A senior BCCI official, who spoke to news ncy on anymity, has said that apart from above-mentioned states, Kerala, Odisha and Meghalaya are or three states who have all written to BCCI about conducting Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in January. Earlier, ESPNCricinfo reported that Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy has been preferred by teams like Mumbai, Punjab, Baroda, Tamil Nadu and even defending Ranji Trophy champions Saurashtra.  

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Bengal in contention to host Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

With BCCI looking at options to create an IPL-style biosecure bubble, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is one of potential hosts for National T20 Championships with three grounds available -- Eden Gardens, JU (Salt Lake) and Kalyani in Kolkata.  Bengal T20 Challenge is currently ongoing in city and tournament will be an indicator for state unit to check out if y are capable of creating a bio-bubble.

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BCCI likely to get d for two new teams in IPL 2021

While BCCI is currently looking to plan out domestic season, reports have surfaced that next edition could see two new teams. decision over IPL 2021 new teams will be taken by BCCI after taking approval from representatives of all state associations.

Im: Karnataka Ranji Team / Twitter