While there was no official reason given for the move, the enuring lunar eclipse is said to be one of the reasons. On Tuesday, the lunar eclipse began at 3:20 PM and ran through till 6:47 PM. Apparently, in Hindu tradition, a lunar eclipse is considered to be an inauspicious time, and is followed in Maharashtra traditionally. Back then, this daily had reported that Day 2 of the Ranji matches in Indore, Mumbai, Rajkot and Mysuru started two hours late due to solar eclipse. While matches usually start at 9.30 AM, play at these venues began at 11.30 am.

Source: Indian Express March 03, 2026 19:52 UTC