Cricket News

Manoj Tiwary slams inadequate Ranji Trophy facilities, calls for tournament to be scrapped

For over a century, the Ranji Trophy has been the beating heart of Indian domestic cricket. More than just a tournament, it’s a launchpad for legends, a tapestry woven with regional pride, and a testament to India’s cricketing passion.

Over the years, the Ranji has unearthed countless gems. It’s where raw talent meets seasoned veterans, where rivalries simmer and heroes are on the rise. Each region breathes life into the trophy, their unique styles and passionate fans adding colour to the contest. Beyond individual brilliance, the Ranji fosters a sense of community. It’s where young boys dream of emulating their heroes and where local rivalries run deep.

The Ranji Trophy is more than just cricket; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a symbol of India’s cricketing spirit. Its legacy as a talent incubator and a celebration of regional pride remains unmatched.

“Ranji trophy should be scrapped”

However, the former Indian cricketer and current Bengal captain, Manoj Tiwary, expressed strong criticism of the Ranji Trophy on X (formerly Twitter). He called for the tournament’s removal from the domestic calendar next year, citing “so many things going wrong” without elaborating on specifics. Tiwary lamented the loss of the Ranji Trophy’s “charm and importance” and emphasized the need for reforms to preserve its historical significance.

“Ranji trophy should be scrapped from the calendar from the next season onwards. So many things going wrong in the tournament. So many things need to be looked into to save this prestigious tournament which has a rich history. It’s losing its charm and importance. Absolutely frustrated,” Tiwary wrote.

Expanding on his call for Ranji Trophy reforms, Manoj Tiwary held a Facebook live session where he detailed specific concerns and announced his retirement from the tournament at the season’s end. His primary criticism focused on the inadequate facilities at the St Xavier’s College Ground in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, where Bengal played Kerala. He highlighted the lack of a proper stadium despite its existence nearby, forcing teams to play on an inferior ground on the outskirts. Additionally, he slammed the substandard dressing rooms, citing concerns over privacy and lack of space for strategizing due to their proximity.

“We are playing Kerala in a ground, not a stadium despite there being one built years ago, we are being asked to play in a ground on the outskirts of the State. The dressing rooms are such that you cannot even strategise properly since our dressing room and the opposite dressing room are so close to each other that you can hear what the others are saying. There is no privacy. I hope that this is looked into in the future,” he said during the session.