Duleep Trophy to take place in Tamil Nadu, final to be held in Coimbatore: Reports

Priyank Panchal-led India Red won the Duleep Trophy in 2019

With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announcing a full-fledged domestic season, the Duleep Trophy competition is back after a three years gap.

The Duleep Trophy will begin on September 8 and end on September 25. As per a report in The New Indian Express, as many as three venues have been shortlisted by the  organisers —Coimbatore, Chennai, and Salem.

The SNR College Cricket Ground, which hosted the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2022 final last week, is likely to host the final of the coveted competition.

“The BCCI has picked three venues for the five matches. The first match will take place at Chepauk before moving to Coimbatore, from where they will take the road to Salem for the semifinals. The plan is to host the final in Coimbatore,” - TNCA secretary RS Ramasaamy

Why Salem and Coimbatore?

Salem Cricket Stadium

The BCCI is in favour of Salem and Coimbatore as venues because both cities are well-connected and have an abundance of accommodations. They also feel that it gives them a chance to spread the game to newer audiences.

“The plan is to take the game to the new centres and when we looked at it, these cities very much fit the bill as they are very well connected in terms of air travel and hotels. Since, other venues are busy preparing for the domestic season, the BCCI felt Coimbatore and Salem will be ideal as the pitches and outfield are already in good condition.”

The Duleep Trophy will be followed by the Irani Cup, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and the Ranji Trophy.

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