City's selection for hosting Ranji after 17 years under DRS
Bhopal: Following a 17-year gap, Bhopal anticipates hosting
Ranji Trophy
cricket matches next year, pending final authorisation.
Sources said a new cricket facility developing at Bhopal-Sehore Road was inspected by a team from MPCA and
BCCI
for hosting the matches.
According to sources, the inspection team conducted a thorough evaluation of the newly developed cricket facilities, examining pitch conditions, outfield status, changing areas, viewer amenities, and overall infrastructure. The matches would generate significant prospects for local cricket advancement. Cricketers from Bhopal and surrounding areas would gain direct exposure to quality domestic cricket.
The city could also benefit from increased tourism and hospitality earnings. The previous Ranji Trophy match at BHEL Ground drew substantial local spectators, demonstrating Bhopal's passion for cricket. Since then, significant enhancements have occurred in both sports facilities and accessibility. Subject to approval, the matches are anticipated during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season.
"The anticipated return of Ranji Trophy to Bhopal represents a key development in the city's sports sphere," said a senior coach without quoting his name.
Cricket officials conducted extensive groundwork to ensure venue compliance. The assessment team evaluated critical elements, including playing conditions and training facilities. Ground staff prepared quality pitches suitable for first-class matches. Cricket training centres and educational institutions welcome the opportunity to witness elite domestic cricket. The venue provides good transport connections for teams and audiences.
The proposed 2026-27 season scheduling allows sufficient preparation time. Regular upkeep protocols maintain facility standards.
Local cricket administrators work closely with BCCI officials on compliance requirements. The cricket community continues preparations while awaiting final approval.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Shreyas Iyer would have never made India Test squad in England, says Aakash Chopra: ‘Even Sarfaraz, Jurel are sitting out'
Despite his impressive run on the domestic circuit and India's ODI set-up this year, Mumbai batter Shreyas Iyer would not have made the Test squad in England in any scenario, said former India opener Aakash Chopra. There were questions raised over Iyer's exclusion from India's extensive 18-member squad announced in May, and the situation sparked more questions about the 30-year-old's red-ball future at the international level. Iyer was in blistering form in the IPL, leading Punjab Kings to a runners-up finish with his best season with the bat, scoring 604 runs at a 50-plus average and a staggering 175.07 strike rate with 39 sixes. Iyer also had a productive Ranji Trophy season besides leading Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win in December 2024. In nine First Class matches, including an Irani Cup triumph, Iyer aggregated 699 runs with two centuries and three fifties. However, that would not be enough to make a comeback to the Test squad for Iyer, who last represented India during the 2024 home series against England. Chopra noted how even Iyer's Mumbai teammate Sarfaraz Khan who is ahead in the pecking order missed out on a berth in England, insisting that the former must patiently wait for his second wind. Save for the returning Karun Nair, debutant Sai Sudharsan and a wobbly lower-order, India's front-line batters all came to the fore during the Headingley Test. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant (2), KL Rahul, skipper Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal all struck centuries, making it the first time India tallied five centuries in a Test. 'There is no problem with the batting as such. But he has to wait for his chances; he won't get a chance straightaway right now. He would've never made it to the squad for the England tour. The remaining ones also haven't had their chance,' Chopra said on his YouTube channel. 'If you think about it, Karun Nair has played just now. Sarfaraz Khan is not being given the chances. Dhruv Jurel is sitting outside. The players who are already there, if they aren't only getting the chances, then how can Shreyas Iyer get a look in?' he added. 'I know he had a good first-class season. He had a good IPL, took Punjab Kings to the final. He did well in white-ball cricket, but his time will come. He will have to wait just a little bit,' said Chopra. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar had reasoned that there was no room currently for Iyer in the scheme of things despite his solid form at the domestic level. 'Yes, Shreyas Iyer has played well in domestic cricket, but at the moment, there is no room for him on the Test Team,' he said while speaking to reporters in Mumbai when announcing the Test squad in late May.
News18
5 hours ago
- News18
Despite Pahalgam Tragedy, India-Pakistan Likely To Meet In 2025 Asia Cup: Report
Last Updated: Despite calls to cut ties after the Pahalgam terror attack, India and Pakistan look set to resume cricketing ties in September by playing against each other in the 2025 Asia Cup. India and Pakistan are likely to continue their cricketing relations in multi-national tournaments, despite several calls to do otherwise from former players and stakeholders after the Pahalgam terror attack in April. According to a report in Cricbuzz, there's a growing 'optimism' at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that the 2025 men's Asia Cup will go as planned, with the opening match likely on September 10. The tournament will be played in the T20 format and will include India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE. The report noted a 'marked change' from the doubts over the tournament when the Indo-Pak border tensions were at their peak in light of Operation Sindoor. It said that the ACC is set to convene in the first week of July and could release a full schedule for the six-team tournament. India is the official host for the 2025 Asia Cup. However, as per the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s prior arrangements that the Asia Cup editions hosted by them will be played in neutral venues or hybrid models, the UAE is the most likely destination. The last edition — in 50-over format — was held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2023 and saw India and Pakistan play each other thrice. Even then, the ACC was criticised for its opaque scheduling processes and for allegedly deliberately pitting the two rivals against each other for the maximum number of times. The clash is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world and generates crucial revenue for administrative bodies. Current all-format men's head coach Gautam Gambhir was among those who championed cutting all cricketing ties with Pakistan. 'This is my personal opinion," Gambhir said in an exclusive interview with CNN-News18 in May. 'I have said it before as well — sport, Bollywood, artists, everything is not important. The only thing that's important is the lives of our civilians and soldiers. There's nothing bigger than that. Sport can take a backseat, Bollywood movies, artists and everything can take a backseat. My personal opinion is that till this cross-border terrorism is not over, there should not be anything between India and Pakistan. It's not for the gallery. Trust me, it's not for the gallery. I am not here to take all this applause. This is my personal opinion. BCCI or the government can have a completely different opinion on it." After the Asia Cup, India and Pakistan will also meet in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka on October 5 in Colombo. About the Author Cricketnext Staff First Published: June 29, 2025, 07:54 IST
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG: 'No brainer for India' — Michael Clarke's clear message to Gautam Gambhir before Edgbaston
India's head coach Gautam Gambhir (@BCCI via PTI Photo)(PTI06_08_2025_000305B) As India gears up for the crucial second Test against England at Edgbaston, changes in the playing XI seem certain after the defeat in the series opener. One major talking point is the workload management of Jasprit Bumrah , who may be rested for this match. Besides him, a couple more players could be left out as the team management led by Gautam Gambhir looks for a stronger combination to level the series. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has made his stance clear about one change. He feels wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav simply must play the next match. Speaking on the Beyond23 Podcast, Clarke said including Kuldeep is an 'absolute no-brainer.' Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! India's bowlers struggled to make an impact at Headingley. While Bumrah stood out with his control and skill, his support cast of Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja , Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna could not maintain pressure or pick up wickets consistently. Clarke believes Kuldeep can solve that problem. Jasprit Bumrah Breathes Fire in the Nets | IND vs ENG 2nd Test Prep 'Bowling-wise, I do not want to single out anyone for blame, but India have to play Kuldeep Yadav. He is a genuine wicket-taker and could have made a big difference in the last Test,' Clarke said. Quiz: Who's that IPL player? Clarke also pointed out that India sometimes focus too much on extending their batting depth, even if it means dropping their frontline spinner. He feels that in English conditions, picking bowlers who can take 20 wickets should be the priority. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Smart Cooling Is Critical for Modern IT Infrastructure Modern IT Infrastructure | Search Ads Search Now Undo Echoing similar thoughts, former England batter Nick Knight has also backed Kuldeep's inclusion. Knight said England's aggressive batting approach could be tested by Kuldeep's variations, especially if the Edgbaston pitch offers even a hint of turn. Knight believes Kuldeep's presence could create match-defining moments if he hits his rhythm. The team announcement for the second Test is awaited, but calls for Kuldeep's return are only growing louder. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
