Chandigarh in line to make Ranji debut as BCCI contemplates giving full-member status

Despite Chandigarh being home to two of the best Indian cricketers of all-time - Yuvraj Singh and Kapil Dev - the union territory has hardly got the recognition by the cricketing fans due to the affiliation issue which dates back to years. Currently, there are three associations operating within the state, namely, Chandigarh Cricket Association-P, which is affiliated to the Punjab Cricket Association, Chandigarh Cricket Association-H, which is affiliated to the Haryana Cricket Association, and UT Cricket Association (UTCA) that hasn’t fielded any players yet.

All the three associations are asking for recognition with the BCCI and their fate will be decided at the BCCI AGM scheduled on October 22. The good thing for the associations is that the CoA, as reported by Indian Express, has asked the parties concerned to confirm “within four days” if the merger of the CCA-H and CCA-P with the UTCA has happened and has asked them to submit “documentary evidence” of the merger. If the merger happened then only UTCA will have the rights to field the team. 

Earlier, in 2017, Pondicherry had received the full member status and even fielded their team last year. So if things go as per the plan, then Chandigarh might field one of their own in the 2020-21 season in the Ranji and other BCCI tournaments.