IPL auctions in mind, BCCI may have Mushtaq Ali T20 before Ranji Trophy
New Delhi: The BCCI in all likelihood, will organize the National T20 Championship for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in early January to kickstart the COVID-19-curtailed domestic season keeping the IPL-14 auctions in mind.
It has been learned that the BCCI has already sent feelers to a few state associations where there are multiple grounds and five-star hotels to create a bio-bubble environment for a minimum of three teams.
"Yes, the IPL auctions this year will be important for at least two to three teams which is weak on Indian talent. For their talent scouts, IPL will be an absolute necessity. So it's only logical that Mushtaq Ali happens before Ranji Trophy," a state unit official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
The official informed that BCCI is looking at those state units where there are at least three grounds within manageable distance with five-star facilities.
"There are at least 10 state units that will be approached and asked if they can create a bio-secure environment. The BCCI feels that if 6 out of 10 units give a positive response, then Mushtaq Ali can be completed in a two-week window and Ranji Trophy can start," he said.
Like the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is one of the potential hosts for the National T20 Championships with three grounds available -- Eden Gardens, JU (Salt Lake), and Kalyani.
Many believe that CAB's six-club inaugural T20 league will be an indicator for the state unit to check out if they are capable of creating a bio-bubble.
"The CAB had zeroed in on two hotels -- Novotel and Hyatt for keeping the six teams in a bio-secure environment. However, Hyatt said that it will be difficult for them to provide exclusive hotel staff (room service and housekeeping) for bio-bubble.
"So CAB has booked 80 rooms for 6 teams and two complete floors to create a bio-bubble," a senior CAB official privy to the development told PTI.
If the bio-bubble in club tournament works successfully, CAB can at least host one group of matches of Mushtaq Ali in Kolkata and Kalyani.
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Amid Middle East tensions, flights cancellations at M’luru airport to continue on March 1, 2; Here’s
Mangaluru: Several flights operating to Gulf destinations from Mangaluru International Airport will remain cancelled on March 1 amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The cancellations follow the closure of multiple airspaces after strikes on Iran by Israel and the United States on Saturday. As a precautionary measure, Indian airlines have suspended services to several destinations in the Gulf region.
According to airport sources, the following Air India Express (IX) flights scheduled for March 1 and March 2 have been cancelled due to operational reasons:
IX845 (March 1) – Mangaluru–Jeddah
IX846 (March 1) – Jeddah–Mangaluru
IX817 (March 1) – Mangaluru–Muscat
IX818 (March 1) – Muscat–Mangaluru
IX831 (March 1) – Mangaluru–Dubai
IX832 (March 1) – Dubai–Mangaluru
IX813 (March 1) – Mangaluru–Dubai
IX814 (March 2) – Dubai–Mangaluru
IX841 (March 1) – Mangaluru–Bahrain
IX842 (March 2) – Bahrain–Mangaluru
IX815 (March 1) – Mangaluru–Abu Dhabi
IX816 (March 2) – Abu Dhabi–Mangaluru
Among these, the inaugural Mangaluru–Muscat service also stands cancelled.
IndiGo (6E) has also cancelled the following flights on March 1:
6E1468 (March 1) – Dubai–Mangaluru
6E1467 (March 1) – Mangaluru–Dubai
6E1438 (March 1) – Mangaluru–Abu Dhabi
Air India Express suspends flights to gulf sector till 1 March
Low-cost carrier Air India Express which operates a large network of flights connecting various Indian cities to the Middle East have announced suspended of all its flights until 23:59 hrs on 1 March 2026.
In a statement issued on Saturday evening, the airline said, “Air India Express flights to the Gulf region are suspended till 23:59 hrs on 1 March 2026. Guests are eligible for a free date change or cancellation for travel scheduled till 5 March 2026.”
Air India Express flights to the Gulf region are suspended till 23:59 hrs on 1 March 2026.
— Air India Express (@AirIndiaX) February 28, 2026
Guests are eligible for a free date change or cancellation for travel scheduled till 5 March 2026. Fare difference applies. For any assistance, guests may #ChatWithTia or use 'Manage… pic.twitter.com/j4F5b1pYTz
Meanwhile other airlines also followed suit, Spice Jet, Indigo and Air India urged passengers to check flight status.
Travel Advisory
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) February 28, 2026
We are continuing to closely monitor the evolving situation in and around Iran and the Middle East. We are sending out notifications to customers on their registered mobile numbers. Customers can also refer to the list of cancelled flights on our website…
#TravelUpdate: Due to airspace closure in Dubai (DXB), some of our flights may be affected. Passengers are advised to check their flight status at https://t.co/2wynECZugy or contact our 24*7 Reservation Helpline numbers at +91 (0)124 4983410 or +91 (0)124 7101600 for assistance.
— SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) February 28, 2026
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India (@airindia) February 28, 2026
In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to…
Budget carrier Akasa Air separately announced that it has suspended all operations to Gulf destinations until March 2, 2026.
#TravelUpdate: Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, all Akasa Air flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh have been suspended until March 02, 2026. We will continue updating our flight status to these destinations, basis the prevailing situation…
— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) February 28, 2026
