Ranji Trophy 2019-20: Day four game in Assam suspended due to curfew over CAB

Hosts Assam were in the middle of their series-opener against Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) while Tripura were facing Jharkhand.

Jharkhand skipper Saurabh Tiwary plays a shot during the Ranji Trophy match against Tripura in Agartala.

Day four proceedings of the Ranji Trophy game between Assam and the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) in Guwahati were on Thursday suspended due to the curfew imposed in the city following protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

The hosts were in the middle of their series-opener against the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB). However, after stating that the game in Tripura -- between the hosts and Jharkhand -- was also suspended, the BCCI clarified that this match was going ahead as scheduled despite the protests in Agartala.

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“The match in Guwahati stops at where it ended on Day 3,” BCCI GM Cricket Operations Saba Karim told PTI , indicating that the game would be considered a draw in case there is no rematch.

“We have been advised by the state association not to go ahead with the game. Players and match officials have been advised to remain in the hotel. At this stage, the safety of the players and match officials is paramount,” he said.

Asked if the game will be replayed or the points will be shared, Karim added: “As the curfew has been imposed, both teams (in Assam) and match officials have been advised not to leave the hotel. We follow whatever advice we receive from the host association.”

He had earlier stated that matches at both the venues had been called off.

“We were getting regular feedback on situation in Tripura from the host association. Now, we have come to know that things are under control and match can go ahead as scheduled,” Karim stated in a fresh conversation with PTI.

Karim is directly in charge of domestic and women’s cricket operations in the country.

“The match is going on,” added Jharkhand and India player Shahbaz Nadeem, who has been rested from the ongoing match in Tripura due to a shoulder niggle.

The game in Guwahati was heading for an exciting finish with Assam needing 168 runs for victory with five wickets in hand.

Services had bounced back strongly after being bundled out for 129 in their first innings.

They dismissed Assam for 162 in response and scored 272 runs in the second innings. In their second essay, Assam were 74 for five at stumps on day three.