Cooch Behar Trophy 2022: Covid strikes BCCI – The U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy is the latest victim of third wave of Covid-19 in India. After the Ranji Trophy and a host of domestic tournaments, BCCI was forced to postpone the U-19 tournament due to rising Covid cases in the host centre of Maharashtra and amongst the participating teams.
On Monday, Maharashtra recorded 44,388 new cases, accounting for the country’s one-third of total Covid cases. The tournament which reached the knockout stages was supposed to be played in Pune. But the city itself recorded 4,029 new cases on Sunday, making it difficult for the hosts to conduct the tournament.
Cooch Behar Trophy 2022: After Ranji Trophy, BCCI postpones Cooch Behar Trophy after Covid cases in participating teams
“The BCCI on Monday announced the postponement of the knockout stage matches of the Cooch Behar Trophy following some positive COVID-19 cases within the team environment,” the BCCI said in a statement.
“Keeping everyone’s health and safety in mind, the knockout matches to be held in Pune have been put on hold until further notice. The BCCI had conducted 93 matches across 20 venues in the league stage. The Board will continue to monitor the situation and identify a new window once the situation improves,” it added.
Cooch Behar Trophy 2022: After Ranji Trophy, BCCI postpones Cooch Behar Trophy after Covid cases in participating teams
Furthermore, the teams have been affected too. As per a Cricbuzz report, there have been multiple Covid cases amongst the teams and the affected and the close contacts had to self-isolate. In the Mumbai team alone, there are six positive cases including five players and a support staff. Furthermore, there have been positive cases in the knocked-out teams including Saurashtra as well.A total of 57 cases were found in the participating teams including 30 players.
The quarterfinal matches were to be played on Tuesday with the semifinals and final scheduled for January 18 and 25.
Cooch Behar Trophy 2022: After Ranji Trophy, BCCI postpones Cooch Behar Trophy after Covid cases in participating teams
“BCCI does not want to compromise the safety of the players, support staff, match officials and other participants involved and hence, has decided to put the three tournaments on hold till further notice. The BCCI will continue to assess the situation and take a call on the start of the tournaments accordingly,” the BCCI said in a statement.
“BCCI thanks and continues to appreciate the efforts of the healthcare workers, state associations, players, support staff, match officials and all the service providers who put their best foot forward to host more than 700 matches across 11 tournaments in the current 2021-22 domestic season,” it added.
Cooch Behar Trophy 2022: After Ranji Trophy, BCCI postpones Cooch Behar Trophy after Covid cases in participating teams
Editors pick
