Ranji match moved from Wankhede stadium

A delay in construction has forced the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to move Mumbai's Ranji Trophy game against Assam, which starts on November 24, from the Wankhede stadium to the association's Bandra Kurla Complex ground. The Wankhede is being renovated ahead of next year's World Cup, when it is scheduled to host three matches, including the final on April 2. The first World Cup match at the venue is on March 18.

"Most of the work at the ground level is done, 70% of outfield area is ready but the debris, big pipes and other materials, need some time to be removed from the stadium, MCA joint-secretary Hemant Waingankar told the Indian Express. "It can't be done in few days so it was decided to hold the game at the BKC ground."

The delay also affects the association's plans to use Ranji Trophy matches to test the remodelled venue. "The Ranji Trophy team has been informed about the change in plans," Waingankar said. "The MCA now hopes to host junior cricket matches to see how the pitch behaves."