2021 Vijay Hazare Trophy from Feb 18 !

Ranji Trophy was scrapped for the first time in 87 years, as there weren't any possible time to stage this series, in a span of two months. It would have required another 70 days for staging this tournament which would have had the possibilities to go beyond the commencement of Indian Premier League ( IPL ). Many reports suggested that, Ranji's league games can be played before IPL whereas its knockout games could be scheduled after the conclusion of IPL. But, BCCI denied these reports. 

As BCCI denied these reports, they sent letters to each and every state cricket association on asking, which could be staged ? Ranji Trophy or Vijay Hazare Trophy ? Most of them voted to Vijay Hazare Trophy and now, another announcement has came out. That announcement is from February 18th, Vijay Hazare Trophy will commence. 

Similar to just now concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy will also have same set of protocols with almost choosing same cities, as those state associations already knew the protocols.  Mumbai, Baroda, Kolkata, Indore, Bangalore will host the league matches with another venue in Kerala included.

Chennai was a centre for the league stage (of Plate division) of the Twenty20 tournament but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking at Kochi as a possible alternative as Chennai is already hosting two international teams - India and England - in a couple of Test matches.

Same is the case with Ahmedabad, as it is scheduled to stage final two tests and five T20Is between India and England. So, some alternative venues have been selected. Even, BCCI is looking for some tier II cities, which could provide the necessary safety for players and support staffs. 

Delhi and Chandigarh has been ruled out from the list, due to ongoing farmers' protest agitations. Along with Vijay Hazare Trophy, Women's ODI Trophy will also commence from February 18 with same set of venues. Same like Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, both will consist of 38 teams, with 6 groups and teams are placed in clusters at each and every group, with only a single venue is selected for each group.

Even though, venues like Mumbai and Bangalore have the facilities to host day/night games, all matches will be played in daylight only. Pune, Vijayawada and Hyderabad has been chosen as venues for Women's ODI Trophy. Official news will come out soon. 

The venue selection has been done based on the requirements of Apollo Group of Hospitals that has been tasked with creating the bio-bubbles for the domestic and international events in India. Vijay Hazare can be wrapped up in 34 days without having to overlap or go beyond the IPL, which is scheduled to start in April.