NEW DELHI (India): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has turned down request from Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) to allow Ravindra Jadeja play in the Ranji Trophy final.
The BCCI has cited ‘country first’ policy to SCA while Cheteshwar Pujara will represent Saurashtra and Wriddhiman Saha will turn out for Bengal in the final on March 9.
Jadeja is part of the Indian ODI team that plays its first game against South Africa on March 12, and he won’t be released for the final.
“I spoke to him (Sourav Ganguly) and was told that the board can’t allow Jadeja to play Ranji as country comes first,” said SCA president Jaydev Shah. He suggested that international games should not be scheduled during the final. “Ranji Trophy can only be popularised if star players play at least in the finals. Don’t keep any international cricket during finals, have a proper window.”
Saurashtra defeated Gujarat by 91 runs in the semifinal at home and the final will also be held at the same venue in Rajkot.
Saurashtra captain Jaydev Unadkat is happy that Pujara will at least be playing in the final.
“I was in constant touch with Chintu (Pujara) when he was in New Zealand. He cares for the team as much as I do. He was on the flight back from New Zealand when we won. The top-order hasn’t been scoring, so having him back will be really good,” said Unadkat.
