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TNCA Declines MS Dhoni's Request To Include Jharkhand For Buchi Babu Tournament

image-ll699mkxMS Dhoni seen with Jharkhand's keeper Saurabh Tiwary [Source: Twitter]

With the downfall of Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has restarted the iconic All-India Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament after 2016-17. 

The Buchi Babu competition will take place between August 12 and September 11 and will see as many as 12 teams participate as opposed to the earlier eight. The tournament will closely follow playing conditions similar to that of the Ranji Trophy.

However, the TNCA have declined Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and former India skipper MS Dhoni's request to include Jharkhand in the upcoming 12-team competition. As quoted by InsideSport TNCA secretary RI Palani disclosed why the association rejected Dhoni's request, apart from several other state associations.

TNCA enjoys a long-standing relation with Dhoni, ever since the wicketkeeper batter started leading CSK in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2008. 

Here's what Palani said

“MS Dhoni wanted Jharkhand included, but it was too tight. We couldn’t fit them because we already have 12 teams. Even Services and Chhattisgarh wanted to participate. We have decided to hold the tournament in Coimbatore, Salem, Dindigul, and Tirunelveli on green-tops as it will give players a good preparation since clubs use the event to prepare for the pre-season,” 

The 28-day tournament will see the winner take home INR 3 lakhs, while the runners-up will get two lakhs. The TNCA is leaving no stone unturned to make this a successful restart, spending over INR 2.5 Crores. 

As many as nine teams are from the north, with Kerala, and two TNCA teams participating from the south. The 12 teams will be divided into four groups of three each, with the first-placed side from each qualifying for the semi-finals.