Ranji Trophy: Services-Haryana match threatened by rain

The opening Ranji Trophy fixture of the 2016-17 season between Haryana and Services is threatened by unexpected rainfall in Mumbai.

Rain has extended its stay beyond its normal season this year in Mumbai.

The opening Ranji Trophy match of the season here between Haryana and Services, commencing on October 6, is threatened by rain which has extended its stay beyond its normal season this year in the metropolis.

In fact, as a forerunner to what could pan out in two days’ time, Tuesday’s morning practice of Haryana was called off due to incessant rain by match host, Cricket Club of India. “Haryana was scheduled to practice this morning but it is now cancelled. There’s no possibility of having nets even in the afternoon. Services are set to arrive this evening,” said CCI’s Sanjay Jaywant.

Asked whether the track for the game was ready, Jaywant said, "The wicket has been covered. We are keeping our fingers crossed.”

This is the first season in which the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to experiment with the neutral venue concept and that’s the reason two northern outfits are set to play their season-opening Group C game here. But the rains, which have been incessant since last Saturday after a brief lull, could play the spoilsport.