Vikrant Shekhawat : May 12, 2024, 06:00 AM
Indian Cricket: BCCI is considering dividing the Ranji Trophy into two parts, according to which it will be organized before and after the white-ball tournaments Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) and Vijay Hazare Trophy (50 overs) in the 2024-25 season. These will happen later in the tournament. It is learned that a draft proposal to restructure the domestic cricket calendar for the 2024-25 season has been sent to the Apex Council. It also talks about removing the toss from the Colonel CK Naidu Trophy.Consideration of conducting Ranji Trophy in two phasesThe proposal has been made after consultation with BCCI secretary Jay Shah, Indian captain Rohit Sharma, selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, head coach Rahul Dravid and National Cricket Academy chief VVS Laxman. According to the new proposed format of Ranji Trophy, the five league stages will be followed by white ball tournaments (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy). The remaining two Ranji League matches and the knockout stage matches will be held after the limited overs tournament. This is intended to address the challenges posed by inclement weather in the northern part of the country during the winter months, as well as ensure a longer gap between matches. The BCCI has also taken into account the fact that during last season's Ranji Trophy, there was a gap of only three days between the two matches. There was also traveling involved, which did not leave enough time for the players to rest and refresh.Jai Shah gave this statementBCCI Secretary Jay Shah said that the toss will be removed for the Colonel CK Nayudu Trophy matches. Instead, the visiting team will have the right to choose whether it will bat or bowl. He suggested a new point system for the under-23 red ball tournament. This includes points for batting and bowling performances in the first innings. Apart from this, points for lead or win in the first innings are also included. The board will review the points system created for the CK Nayudu Trophy at the end of the season and then decide whether it can be implemented in the upcoming season of Ranji Trophy.Duleep Trophy will be held after Irani CupJay Shah told the media on Saturday that the gap between matches will be increased to give the players enough time to freshen up and maintain top performance throughout the season. According to this proposal, the domestic season will start with the Duleep Trophy, which will include four teams selected by the national selectors. The Irani Cup will be followed by the Duleep Trophy after which the first phase of the Ranji Trophy will be held.