The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy match between Bengal and Kerala is likely to be rescheduled. This is due to the threat posed by Cyclone Dana in West Bengal. The match between both teams is scheduled for October 26 and could be in danger.
Cyclone Dana has left many in the state tense. The rains have been heavy, affecting Kolkata and adjoining districts, with Dana moving towards the northwest. According to IMD, it could intensify into a strong cyclonic storm over the northwestern bay of the state on Friday.
Bengal Cricket Association formally writes to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to change game
Amid all this, the Bengal Cricket Association has formally written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to delay the game by two days. Not just the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy match, but the State Association also wants the Under-23 team’s match against Railways, which will take place in Kalyani on October 27, to be moved.
Releasing the official statement, the CAB stated, “The Bengal Cricket Association has written to Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary of the BCCI, to postpone the Bengal Senior and Under-23 home matches scheduled for October 26 and 27 respectively. for a couple of days as the city is expected to be affected by Cyclone Dana.
Bengal’s recent matches have been greatly affected by the weather
The team’s recent games have been greatly affected by the weather. Their last match against Bihar on October 18 was abandoned without a single ball being bowled due to rain and wet outfields. Even before that, their match against Uttar Pradesh ended in a draw on October 11.
The weather conditions have put the team in a difficult phase of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. The defeat in the last game has put them in trouble. The match against Kerala holds great importance for the team as it could decide their future in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25.
The CAB is hopeful that the Cricket Control Board will reschedule the game. But if it is a failure, it could hamper the team’s chances of participating in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy.
Mohammed Shami to play in Ranji Trophy 2024-25
While the state team is in the tough phase of the tournament, there is certainly good news for the Indian fans. According to Indian Express reports, the Indian team management and selectors are learned to have informed Mohammed that he needs to play at least one, if not two, Ranji matches.
This is because the team management wants him to show his fitness and also regain his rhythm ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Reports claimed that the BCCI is targeting the second half of the Australia series to return to the team.
If everything goes as planned, Shami will play his state’s fourth match in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 against Karnataka or fifth match against Madhya Pradesh.