Ladakh cricketers to represent Jammu and Kashmir in Ranji Trophy
After the historic announcement of the formation of the new union territory Ladakh, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) on Wednesday came up with a new decision. The CoA announced that the cricketers from the region of Ladakh could now play for Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming season of the Ranji Trophy. Here are further details.
BCCI to not have separate cricket body for Ladakh currently
It was on Monday when the Indian government removed Article 370 from J&K and announced the birth of two new union territories in the form of J&K and Ladakh. However, BCCI has decided not to create a separate cricket body for Ladakh currently. "The players from that region will continue to qualify to represent J&K in all BCCI domestic competitions," Rai told PTI.
No discussions yet on Ladakh being voting member of BCCI
Following the announcement, the question if Ladakh could become a voting member of BCCI, like Puducherry, was also popped up. However, Rai added that no such discussions have taken place yet. "The arrangement remains the same as it is for Chandigarh, which is also a Union territory. Their players either play for Punjab or Haryana in domestic competitions," Rai continued.
J&K to play home games in Srinagar for now
"We are confident that J&K will play their home games in Srinagar just like last year. There has been no discussion on having an alternate home venue as of now. So nothing changes on that front," Rai further asserted.
Cricketing activities suspended in J&K for now
Following the historic announcement by the Indian government, the BCCI has currently suspended all cricketing activities in the valley. It was done so after an advisory was issued by the state government that there could be possible terror threats in the region. As a result, J&K team mentor, along with 100 aspirants, have left the valley. An all age-group camp was also postponed indefinitely.
Ladakh to make Ranji Trophy more competitive from upcoming season
J&K to be bolstered by the arrival of Ladakh players
Indian cricket would see fresh competition in the domestic circuit, as the J&K team would be bolstered by the arrival of players from Ladakh. It is to be noted that no players from Ladakh have represented J&K to date. However, the author believes that this is welcome news for Indian cricket and the sport would scale new heights in the valleys now.
