Desperate to play red ball cricket: Faiz

Nagpur, July 3

Captain Faiz Fazal who led Vidarbha to two consecutive Ranji Trophy title triumphs is quite excited that the Board of Control For Cricket in India (BCCI) has declared the domestic cricket season, also including Ranji Trophy which was cancelled last season due to Covid-19 pandemic.

The multi-day Ranji Trophy will be played in a three-month window from November 16, 2021 to February 19, 2022. Welcoming the development Faiz Fazal who is at present in United Kingdom to play county cricket said, “ I just come to know about BCCI's announcement. I am quite excited to play red ball cricket. I hope BCCI will conduct the tournament in best possible manner. Personally speaking, I am a great fan of red ball cricket. In fact all the cricketers want to play Ranji cricket. Last season we desperately missed it due to Covid. I am very thankful to BCCI for taking such great decision.”

Vidarbha off spinner Akshay Wakhare said, “ The BCCI has taken the positive decision. This is good news for all the domestic cricketrs as Ranji Trophy is one of the prestigious tournaments in the counry. This is good thing that BCCI is thinking about the players.” For not conducting Ranji Trophy matches The BCCI had declared to compensate the players as well as officials but so far no decision has been taken in this regard.

Last season Vidarbha played Syed Mushtaq Ali T-20 Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy but their performance was not up to the mark. This year Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which is the national T20 tournament, will begin five days after the remainder of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 tournament is completed on October 15.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy will take place from February 23, 2022 to March 26, 2022. A total of 2,127 domestic games will be played this season across various age groups in the men's & women's categories. The women's tournaments will, however, start the domestic season. The domestic season will commence on September 21, 2021, with the Senior Women's One Day League and will be followed by the Senior Women's One Day Challenger Trophy, which will take place from October 27, 2021.

Sr women players vaccinated, positive development: Thatte

VCA women ICA member Jyoti Thatte said as far as women cricket is concerned this is a positive development that BCCI has announced the age group tournament also. “ Our senior players are already vaccinated. Therefore they have no many safety concerns. The enthusiasm will return once the tournament starts. It will be good if junior players are also vaccinated till their tournaments start”.