Srinagar, December 30: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday postponed Vijay Merchant Trophy, days tournament for U-16 age-group, as a precautionary measure against Covid-19.
The BCCI had to take this decision because of rising number of Covid cases in India following the outbreak of new varint, Omicron.
“Ahead of the domestic season, we had said that will endeavor to have a full season across age groups. We started off well and are now mid-way into the season having completed 748 matches when we have again encountered a serious issue, The cases across lndia are spiraling and despite being a large number of adults doubly vaccinated, they have still been infected,” BCCI said in a press release.
The tournament was to start in the first half of January. It will now not take place this season, after being cancelled last year as well.
“This U-16 tournament, which was to start next month, will now not take place this season. It was also cancelled last year due to Covid,” BCCI informed.
“After consulting experts and seeking views of the medical teams and operations team, it has been decided that keeping health and safety in mind, the U16 Vijay Merchant Trophy is postponed for this season.
The primary reason is that the participants are still not vaccinated and as such, are vulnerable.”
“We must exercise caution and not be adventurous and put the health of our talented cricketers at grave risk.”