Two Bihar teams arrives at stadium in Ranji Trophy game to play against Mumbai

The Ranji Trophy 2024 season has started on 5th January, Friday. During the second day of the tournament something bizarre happened, two 'Bihar Teams' turned up for a match against Mumbai at the Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna on Friday. The Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) has been engaged in an internal conflict between different groups, and the outcome was visible to all. According to The Indian Express, there was also a little brawl and a heated exchange between officials.

According to the report, local police had to interfere before the Ranji Trophy season opening could begin at roughly 11 a.m.The game was played by two teams, one of which was chosen by BCA president Rakesh Tiwary. The other, which was sponsored by Secretary Amit Kumar, was not permitted.

The latest edition of the domestic league may appear to have little or no influence on the cricketing fortunes of several players, especially with India's batting and bowling lineups almost finalised in Tests. The selectors may also make a few changes for the five-match home series against England later this month. 

I won the election: Amit Kumar

Rakesh Tiwary told the newspaper, "We have picked the team on merit and that is the right team. You see the talent that is coming from Bihar. We have a cricketer (Sakib Hussain), who is picked in the IPL. We have a 12-year-old prodigy making his debut in the game. The other is being picked by the secretary who is suspended, so it can't be the real team."

Amit Kumar, however, said: "First things first: I won the election, and I am an official secretary of the BCA. You can't suspend a secretary. Secondly, how can a president select a team? Have you ever seen Indian Cricket Board president Roger Binny announcing the squad? You will always see the signature of Secretary Jay Shah." 

Speaking about the match Mumbai finished the opening day with 235/9, as Veer Pratap Singh was the pick of the bowlers for Bihar with his 4 for 32.