Wasim Jaffer calls for cancellation of Vijay Hazare, Duleep and Deodhar Trophy

The most capped Ranji Trophy player, Wasim Jaffer has offered his suggestions to the BCCI for conducting the upcoming domestic cricket season. The stalwart has asked the governing body to cancel Vijay Hazare Trophy, Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy this year to focus on more important domestic tournaments.

Jaffer understands that the IPL will be BCCI’s first priority once cricket resumes. However, the former Indian opener wants more focus on conducting meaningful competitions that will help cricketers to stay fitter for a longer duration. Speaking to PTI in a candid chat, Jaffer told the following –

“Once the IPL finishes, the BCCI can look to start the domestic season with the Irani Trophy (Cup) as Saurashtra deserves to play it as they are first-time champions. Then we can start the Ranji Trophy. And before the (IPL) auction, as and when BCCI keeps the auction for next year’s IPL, we should have the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy and scrap the Vijay Hazare, Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy and use that period to hold these major two tournaments with the adequate breaks for players”  

Saurashtra defeated Bengal in the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy final. However, their Irani Trophy clash against Rest of India never materialised as the coronavirus pandemic took over. Jaffer feels that Saurashtra should get the opportunity to play their maiden Irani Trophy encounter.

Suggesting tweaks in the current format of the Ranji Trophy, Jaffer believes that the quarter-final berth should be tougher to earn for weaker teams. In the current setup, the leader of the plate group gets an opportunity to play in one of the four quarter-finals. Jaffer thinks the promotion to the higher stage should be the only incentive and not a place in the final eight.