The Ranji Trophy match between Karnataka and Jharkhand which was scheduled to be played in Chennai from October 13 has been shifted to Greater Noida owing to the recent developments of events regarding the Cauvery water issue.
As per Cricbuzz, a top Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) official confirmed the news but kept mum on the exact reason for taking such a bold step. It was also learnt that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier sent an e-mail to KSCA to inform about the shift in venue.
Also read: 5 things to look forward to in the upcoming Ranji season
The ground in Greater Noida hosted the matches of the recently concluded Duleep Trophy last month. The tournament was significant as it was the first time that first-class matches were held under lights in India with a Pink ball.
The cricketers of the Karnataka squad are currently playing the Karnataka Premier League which will conclude on October 2 following which they are scheduled to come together for a small camp.
The side will also play a three-day practice match to get into the groove of the longer format before boarding the flight for the first Ranji match. The most coveted domestic tournament of India will be played in neutral venues from this season in order to negate the home advantage.
A total of 8 grounds will host Karnataka’s matches apart Greater Noida, the others being Kolkata, Mumbai, Vadodara, Vizianagaram, Delhi, Patiala, and Mohali.
Also read: No 'live' telecast of the Ranji Trophy due to the packed international home season
In spite of winning consecutive Ranji Trophies a year ago, Karnataka failed to make it to the knockout stages in the previous season, where Mumbai were the eventual winners.
The 83rd edition of the Ranji Trophy will start off on October 6 and end by January 2017. Chattisgarh will make their debut in the tournament and will feature in Group C as the 28th team in the competition.
The matches in the group stage will go on till the 10th of December, while the quarter-finals will be played from 17th to 21st December and the semi-finals will be staged from 27th to 31st December.
Mumbai is the most successful team in Ranji Trophy history having won it on 41 occasions out of the 82 times played.
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