Manoj Tiwary opts out of Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy

Bengal cricketer Manoj Tiwary has decided to opt out of the upcoming edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. The veteran hasn’t played any form of cricket since the same T20 league back in January. It’s been learned that Tiwary has made a decision to stay away from T20 cricket and rather focus on the forthcoming Ranji Trophy to be played next year.

Ahead of the domestic season, Tiwary joined the domestic camp and honed his skills under the eyes of former Indian batter VVS Laxman. However, as of now, Tiwary has made up his mind of not taking part in the SMAT. Saurashis Lahiri, the Bengal team’s assistant coach, has respected Tiwary’s call, saying that his experience in first-class cricket holds importance.

Bengal has a lot to benefit from a player like Manoj Tiwary, says Lahiri

“Getting Manoj’s services will always benefit Bengali cricket. However, since Manoj himself has decided not to play in the T20, I respect his decision. A cricketer understands his fitness the best and Manoj has made that decision with his fitness in mind,” Lahiri was quoted as saying in Cricket Next.

“The Bengal cricket team still has a lot to benefit from a player like Manoj Tiwary when he participates in the Ranji Trophy. His experience will always be important to the side,” he stated.

Apart from his cricketing endeavours, Tiwary is also involved in politics. The 35-year-old is the Bengal Sports Minister and has been working towards the welfare of sports in West Bengal. If reports are to be believed, Tiwary withdrew from the SMAT due to two reasons.

In the previous season, he suffered a knee injury and he is yet to fully recover from the same. Hence, question marks over his fitness remain. Moreover, Tiwary wants other young players to replace him in the squad. Therefore, he will get more time to attain the desired fitness levels before the Ranji season.

Bengal is currently gearing up for the Challengers Trophy where the senior team, U23 and U19 cricketers will take part. The names of the teams, coaches and captains have already been finalised. The seven-day camp ended last Saturday and Laxman was a part of it.