Irani Cup match shifted to Lucknow due to monsoon: Details
The 2024-25 Irani Cup fixture, originally slated to take place in Mumbai, has been relocated to Lucknow. This decision was made after considering the city's inability to host a five-day game of this magnitude due to monsoon. The match will feature Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai against the Rest of India and is scheduled for October 1-5. Here are further details.
BCCI's initial plans and Mumbai's Ranji Trophy triumph
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had originally planned to host the tournament in Mumbai as part of its 2024-25 domestic calendar. However, the city's extended monsoon season has necessitated a venue change. This announcement follows Mumbai's recent Ranji Trophy victory under Ajinkya Rahane's leadership, where they defeated Vidarbha in the final by 169 runs at Wankhede Stadium.
What is Irani Cup?
The latest Ranji champions and the Rest of India feature in the Irani Cup, a one-off First-Class encounter. Notably, the 2022-23 domestic witnessed two Irani Cup games. As per ESPNcricinfo, ROI have claimed 30 Irani Cup wins, having played 61 matches. With 14 wins across 29 apperances, Team Mumbai is the second-most successfull side in the Irani Cup history.
Avasthi to represent India 'B' in Duleep Trophy
In other cricket news, Mumbai's leading pacer Mohit Avasthi has been selected for the remaining Duleep Trophy matches. He will be representing India 'B' in this tournament. Avasthi was instrumental in securing Mumbai's 42nd Ranji title last season, with a remarkable tally of 31 wickets from just eight matches at an average of 15.74. He is also likely to take the field in the Irani Cup match.
