BCCI introduces radical changes in forthcoming editions of Ranji and Duleep trophies

In a massive overhaul, BCCI’s technical committee which is headed by the iconic Sourav Ganguly has recommended changes to both Duleep and Ranji Trophy formats. During a special body meeting which was also attended by Board President Anurag Thakur and Secretary Anurag Thakur, the panel deliberated on India’s domestic system.

While the zonal Duleep Trophy is set to be scrapped in favor of a new day-night tournament, all Ranji matches will now be played at neutral venues for the 2016-17 season. The move is aimed at helping the players get acclimatized to pink ball Tests as well as minimizing home advantage in India’s premier first-class competition.

A BCCI press release stated, “The committee discussed the format for Duleep Trophy for the season 2016-17. It was recommended that selectors would pick four teams to participate in a round-robin format tournament. The entire tournament will be a day/night affair.”

“In a bid to make domestic cricket more competitive and rule out the issues related to preparing specific wickets for home teams as well as to expose players to play in different conditions, the BCCI Technical Committee recommended neutral venues for the Ranji Trophy matches. This is a step recommended to make domestic Ranji Trophy cricket more competitive.”

On the reason behind the revamp, a technical committee member asserted, “The president feels that like Challenger Trophy, this season's Duleep Trophy should have all the big players as well as Test hopefuls getting a chance to play with pink balls under lights. That's why it has been decided, there will be no zonal system this time round.”

He also revealed that Ganguly had advocated the inclusion of a proven foreign team in the proposed floodlit first-class tournament. However, the other members felt that the idea was not feasible.

The panel member added, “Ganguly's proposal was duly considered. But then we felt that supposedly we call a first-class side from Australia and if they lose the first match in knock-out system, the purpose of inviting them would get lost.”

It is understood that the day-night matches will be played with Kookaburra balls. But, other sports goods manufacturers are also under consideration to get involved with the landmark occasion.

Another development from the meeting was the approval of India A’s tour of Australia in August which includes two 4-day matches and a tri-series. The third team is likely to be from New Zealand.