Follow UsIn an unforeseen change of events, the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 quarterfinal between Haryana and Mumbai, supposed to be played at Haryana’s home ground of Lahli in Rohtak district, was shifted to Eden Gardens in Kolkata. As a result, the Mumbai team, which had packed its sweaters to fight the cold of Northern India and booked flight tickets for Delhi, had to make extra arrangements.
Although the reason for the change in venue given to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) was ‘unavoidable circumstances’, a national daily quoted sources to confirm that it was actually due to the pitch at Lahli not being ready for the high-profile encounter.
“According to sources, the BCCI shifted the match to Kolkata as the Lahli pitch couldn't be prepared in time due to the harsh weather in Northern India,” The Times of India (TOI) reported.
"We had made all the preparations to take the team to Lahli, like providing woolen sweaters for the players. However, the BCCI shifted the game at the last moment - we received an email at 11.30pm last night informing us of the venue switch-due to 'unavoidable circumstances.' MCA secretary Abhay Hadap explained the situation in a quote to TOI.
Mumbai are the happier of the two teams ahead of the start of the match on February 8th. Not only will Kolkata be ideal for their preparations in Mumbai, but the chances of the match remaining uncompleted and thereby Haryana moving forward on the basis of more points at the league stage, will also be reduced heavily.
During a Col CK Nayudu Trophy match in 2023-24, Mumbai Under-23 team were knocked out of the tournament after their match at Lahli was curtailed due to inclement weather.