Patna: A Ranji Trophy encounter between Bihar and Mumbai took a perplexing turn at Patna's Moin-ul-Haq Stadium when two separate 'Bihar Teams' showed up for the match on Friday.
The unexpected scenario unfolded amid an ongoing dispute within the Bihar Cricket Association, highlighting the clash between rival factions within the association.
The situation escalated to a point where officials from both teams engaged in a heated exchange, leading to a minor scuffle that prompted intervention from local law enforcement before the scheduled start of the Ranji Trophy fixture at 11 am, reported The Indian Express.
Amidst the confusion, the team selected by BCA President Rakesh Tiwary was the one permitted to play the match, while the lineup associated with Secretary Amit Kumar was not given clearance.
Tiwary defended his team selection, stating, "We have picked the team on merit and that is the right team. You see the talent that is coming from Bihar." He highlighted specific players' credentials, including a cricketer who secured a spot in the IPL and a 12-year-old prodigy making his debut, emphasising the legitimacy of his chosen team.
However, Amit Kumar contested the decision, asserting his authority as the elected secretary: "I won the election, and I am an official secretary of the BCA. You can't suspend a secretary." He questioned the president's role in team selection, drawing parallels with BCCI protocol where squad announcements typically bear the secretary's signature.
Beyond this administrative clash, the broader context of the Ranji Trophy appears insignificant in the grander scheme of Indian cricket. With established players securing spots in India's Test line-up and minimal anticipated changes for the upcoming England series, the tournament might seem less impactful on the national cricketing landscape.
For veterans Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, both aged 35, the tournament offers a pivotal platform. Their Test careers face uncertainty, and they aim to showcase their form in the Ranji Trophy to remain in contention, especially considering the emergence of younger talents eyeing national team spots.
Rahane, besides his personal resurgence, shoulders the responsibility of leading Mumbai towards a coveted title. The 41-time champions seek to reclaim their dominance in domestic cricket, having last clinched the Ranji Trophy in the 2015-16 season, encountering challenges to maintain their historical supremacy since then.