Mumbai will host the Ranji Trophy final at the Wankhede Stadium from March 10. It will only be the second Ranji game at the venue this season.
Irrespective of its opponent, the final will be played in Mumbai due to the tournament rules. Since Mumbai has more points in the league stage than Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha, it will enjoy home advantage.
“The Wankhede Stadium has been the home of Mumbai cricket for almost half a century. So considering the legacy of the tournament and the importance of such a big game for the whole Mumbai cricket community, it is fitting that the final is played at the Wankhede,” Ajinkya Naik, the Mumbai Cricket Association secretary, said after Mumbai crushed Tamil Nadu in the semifinal at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy (SPCA) ground.
Four of Mumbai’s five home games - including the quarterfinal and the semifinal – have been played at the suburban facility. The game at the Wankhede – against Uttar Pradesh in January – is Mumbai’s only loss of the season so far.
It is understood that the team management preferred SPCA for the knockouts due to the nature of the pitch over Wankhede. Besides, the Wankhede was advised to be kept aside for Indian Premier League preparation.
A combination of broadcast requirements, spectator convenience, and to avoid possible flak for prioritising IPL over Ranji, the MCA is understood to have been informally advised by the BCCI to conduct the final at the Wankhede Stadium.
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