BCCI prez Ganguly denies Jadeja permission to play Ranji final

BCCI rejected Saurashtra's request citing 'country first' policy. Jadeja is part of the Indian team that will play South Africa in three-match home ODI series starting March 12. Ranji Trophy final starts on March 9.

Mumbai: Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja won't feature in the final of Ranji Trophy as the Indian cricket board (BCCI) prioritises 'country first' policy while turning down the request from Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA). Cheteshwar Pujara will play the final for Saurashtra and Wriddhiman Saha will appear for Bengal. But since Jadeja is part of the Indian team that will play South Africa in three-match home ODI series starting March 12, he won't be released to play the final. Ranji Trophy final starts on March 9.

Jaydev Shah, the SCA president, requested BCCI president Sourav Ganguly to let Jadeja ply his trade for Saurashtra.

Ravindra Jadeja won't feature in Ranji Trophy 2019-20 final.

“I spoke to him [Ganguly] and was told that the board can’t allow Jadeja to play Ranji as country comes first,” Shah revealed. However, Ganguly didn't approve his request.

Shah said that the board should not schedule any international game during the final of Ranji Trophy, the premier domestic competition of the country. He referred to the board's policy for IPL to make a strong case for his point.

Cheteshwar Pujara will play for Saurashtra.

“If BCCI wants people to watch their premier domestic cricket then no international game should be held during Ranji final, henceforth. It’s my suggestion. Will BCCI keep an international match during IPL? No, because it gives money. 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,” the former Saurashtra captain Shah said.

“I would have loved to see him (Jadeja) play the Ranji Trophy final for us, why only Jadeja, I would have loved to see Mohammad Shami (for Bengal) also.” Shah said.

Wriddhiman Saha will appear for Bengal in the final.

It must be noted that Shami will not feature in the final as he will also be part of the Indian team for South Africa series.

It will be the fourth Ranji Trophy final for Saurashtra team in the last eight years and Jadeja's inclusion could have been a big boost to the side.

Bengal defeated Karnataka in the semifinal while Saurashtra trounced Gujarat by 91 runs at home. The final will also be held at the same venue in Rajkot. It will be Saurashtra's first final at home. Last year they lost to Vidarbha in Nagpur.