2020/21 domestic season to kick off on January 10 with Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

After months of speculation, the BCCI have finally cleared the air around the 2020/21 domestic season and have finalized January 10 as the start date. Jay Shah, the secretary of the board, has confirmed in a letter written to all state associations that the season will officially kick-start with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which will be played from January 10. The venues for the tournament are yet to be determined, but according to Cricbuzz, the teams have been asked to assemble at their respective venues on January 2, 2021. 

"Having gone through your responses, in accordance with the feedback received, I'm pleased to inform you that BCCI is planning to start the 2020-21 domestic season with the scheduling for the T20 tournament for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy," Shah wrote, reported Cricbuzz.

"The BCCI will seek further feedback from the members on organising any other tournament/tournaments and the decision will take place after the group stage of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Further details pertaining to Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will be finalised soon.”

The BCCI are, however, yet to reveal whether the SMAT will be played as a stand-alone tournament, or if it will be succeeded by either the Ranji Trophy or the Vijay Hazare Trophy. 

Meanwhile, the board are also believed to have finalized December 20 2020, as the last date for the inter-state transfer of cricketers for the season.