BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has denied permission for Saurashtra all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to play in the Ranji Trophy final starting on March 9 owing to India’s international commitments. With the 3-ODI series vs South Africa starting on March 12, Ganguly allegedly told Jaydev Shah, the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) president that country first’ principle needs to be followed while turning down the request.
“I spoke to him [Ganguly] and was told that the board can’t allow Jadeja to play Ranji as the country comes first,” Shah was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
Shah went on to suggest that international games should not be scheduled during such an important domestic fixture as a Ranji Trophy final while questioning why such a thing doesn’t happen during the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL).
“If BCCI wants people to watch their premier domestic cricket then no international game should be held during Ranji final, henceforth. It’s my suggestion. Will BCCI keep an international match during IPL? No, because it gives money. Ranji Trophy can only be popularised if star players play at least in the finals. Don’t keep any international cricket during finals, have a proper window,” the former Saurashtra captain Shah said.
“I would have loved to see him (Jadeja) play the Ranji Trophy final for us, why only Jadeja, I would have loved to see Mohammad Shami (for Bengal) also, Shah said.
Saurashtra will be playing their fourth Ranji Trophy final in the last 8 years and star all-rounder Jadeja would have boosted his home side’s chances of winning the title.
