Bengal’s Ranji Trophy Match Postponed Due to Cyclone
Bengal’s second Ranji Trophy match against Bihar has been called off due to heavy rain, prompting the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to take precautionary measures regarding their upcoming fixture. On October 23, CAB officials reached out to BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, requesting a deferral of their next league game against Kerala due to the looming threat of Cyclone Dana. This move comes in light of their previous game being abandoned, resulting in a loss of crucial points that Bengal cannot afford again.
Anticipated Weather Impact
The region is bracing for significant disruption as Cyclone Dana is expected to create havoc across Kolkata and its surrounding areas. Already, multiple trains and flights have been cancelled, reflecting the cyclone’s impact on travel and logistics. Heavy rains have already begun affecting the southern regions of Bengal, and forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) indicate that conditions will worsen by Friday morning, intensifying the threat to the scheduled matches.
CAB’s Official Request
In their official communication, the CAB emphasized the need to reschedule the home matches for the Senior Bengal team and the Bengal Under-23 team, originally set for October 26th and 27th, respectively. They are requesting a postponement by a couple of days to ensure that the teams are not adversely affected by the cyclone’s effects, underscoring their commitment to player safety and match integrity.
Under-23 Match Reconsideration
Alongside their main team’s request, the CAB is also asking the BCCI to reconsider the timing of the Under-23 team’s match against Railways, scheduled to take place in Kalyani on October 27. This reflects the CAB’s proactive stance in safeguarding their teams and ensuring that all matches can be played under fair conditions.
Cyclone Path and Forecast
According to IMD officials, Cyclone Dana is predicted to make landfall between Puri and Sagar Island, crossing the northern Odisha and West Bengal coasts on Thursday night into Friday morning. The forecast of heavy rainfall and strong winds raises concerns not only for cricket matches but also for the overall safety of residents in the affected areas.
Also Read This: Jay Shah poised to begin ICC Chairmanship
Current Standings in the Ranji Trophy
Despite the weather disruptions, Bengal currently sits third on the Ranji Trophy points table, having accumulated four points. Their campaign began positively with a strong performance against Uttar Pradesh, though they only managed to secure three points. The washed-out match against Bihar yielded them one point, highlighting the impact of weather on their standings in the tournament.
Kerala’s Position in the League
Kerala, their upcoming opponents, are in a better position, sitting second on the points table with seven points. The contrast in their standings adds urgency to Bengal’s request to postpone the match, as they need to capitalize on every opportunity to gain points in this competitive league. The CAB’s proactive measures aim to protect their team’s chances as they navigate through challenging weather conditions.
