At a meeting at the Cricket Centre on Tuesday, the technical committee of the BCCI, chaired by Sourav Ganguly, focused on improving the standard of domestic cricket.
The committee called for the introduction of three groups in Ranji Trophy in place of the existing Elite and Plate Division. With nine teams per group, the number of games will increase.
Ganguly claimed the change in format, yet to be approved by the working committee, would help improve the quality of cricket. “Apart from giving teams more matches, it will even out competition,” he said.Pitch monitoring
Given the criticism over the pitches after the 2011-12 season, the committee recommended that the BCCI's ground and pitches committee would monitor preparation.
“They will monitor the pitch a week before every game to make sure that it is good. Moreover, it will ensure that the pitch has grass and pace to help the Indians do well overseas,” said Ganguly. Another recommendation was a change in the points system to have more result-oriented games.
{{/usCountry}}“They will monitor the pitch a week before every game to make sure that it is good. Moreover, it will ensure that the pitch has grass and pace to help the Indians do well overseas,” said Ganguly. Another recommendation was a change in the points system to have more result-oriented games.
{{/usCountry}}A significant change is that only two sides will be picked by the selectors in Challengers, unlike last year’s three. The domestic one-day champions will replace the third team. However, since the domestic champions may have players out of contention for the country’s one-day team, it could rob other youngsters, vying for a spot in the national team, of a chance. Also, the main bowler of a team will be able to bowl 12 overs in 50-over format.
Ganguly dismissed talk of conducting games on uncovered wickets at the U-22 level. “When the ICC does not permit uncovered wickets, what’s the use?”