Vidarbha well prepared for domestic season, says Vaidya

By Anupam Soni :

BCCI’s blue print for domestic season: Mushtaq Ali from Dec 20, Ranji from Jan 11 BCCI will create six bio-secure hubs for the domestic tournament with 38 teams. The teams will be divided into 5 Elite groups and 1 Plate group. The Elite groups will consist of 6 teams each while the Plate group will have 8 teams Each of the BCCI hub will have a minimum of three venues and the games would be broadcast digitally

IN ITS effort to have some domestic cricket this season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sought views of member state associations on the structure of the proposed curtailed season. Due to coronavirus pandemic, the Indian domestic cricket season that begins in August is yet to start. The BCCI has made a blue print for the season and has forwarded the same to its members for their feedback. The BCCI plans to create six bio-secure hubs across the country between December and March to conduct the various tournaments. The Board has suggested four options — conducting only the prestigious Ranji Trophy (Jan 11-Mar 18, 2021); holding just the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament (Dec 20, 2020-Jan 10, 2021); a combination of Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali or an opening for two shorter format events in Syed Mushtaq Ali (Twenty20) and Vijay Hazare Trophy (50 overs; Jan 11-Feb 7, 2021).

The copy of blue print is not received by Vidarbha Cricket Association yet but former India player Prashant Vaidya, who is Chairman, Cricket Administration and Development Committee, VCA, sounded confident on VCA’s preparedness. “We have not received any such letter yet and moreover the office was closed today (it being Sunday). So, we have no details. But it be a collective decision. We have not seen the letter. We will have a meeting (after we receive the letter) and take a decision. We will represent our views accordingly. “We will also have to look what the Board desires from us (the associations) as far as preparation to host the tourney(s) is concerned...and whether we can be one of the hosts. We will study all the points and then collectively decide on further course of action,” said Vaidya, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’ on the issue. After the State government and local authority lifted the curb on group practise, Vidarbha players took to field last week only. “We are definitely prepared.

From April we were having online fitness and the effects are visible when the players have returned to the field. The efforts of 5-6 months has benefited the players and the results are there to see at the ground. Players are in very good physical conditions. Whatever the BCCI decides, we will prepare ourselves...be it the Ranji Trophy or Syed meet. Presently we are doing routine practise but will focus and start targeted practise on whatever is decided,” Vaidya said. The BCCI has mentioned probable start date for Syed Mushtaq Ali as December 20. On whether it will be possible in such a short time, Vaidya said, “If they are going forward with the bio-bubble then holding the tournament earlier is also possible. Also IPL auctions would be on their minds. It can be started as early as possible.”

Vaidya is satisfied with the present training of players. “Due to the pandemic, the main role is of the physios, trainers and the medical officer. We have made a COVID Task Force comprising them and they are leading the sessions properly,” Vaidya concluded.