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BCCI rule catches Railways off-guard
The BCCI's rules of Ranji quarterfinal match-ups, which was introduced last year, can confuse many. Khurram Habib reports.
The BCCI's rules of Ranji quarterfinal match-ups, which was introduced last year, can confuse many.
Railways found out on Saturday when they indulged in premature celebration, hoping that they'll get a relatively easy game against Haryana at home.
The pitch was watered and preparations got started. Players, living closer to Delhi, made a dash to their hometowns, leaving their kit and baggage here, only to hear later that their quarterfinal was in far-off Baroda and they had to come back to Delhi to fly to Baroda.
Railways, who finished second in their pool, thought they'd play the third-finishers of the other group, Haryana.
"Since Mumbai and Karnataka, the table-toppers were playing the plate champions, we thought the match-ups would go across - as in third would play second in a group and vice-versa. It is the norm in most competitions. This has come as a surprise," said a Railways official.
Ratnakar Shetty, the chief administrative officer (CAO) clarified the system. "Last year's winners and runners-up are seeded one and two. They occupy the first and eighth positions respectively so that they don't clash before the finals. For the rest, it is a simple draw of lots. According to the draw, Rajasthan got second spot and hence play top seeds Mumbai. This system was introduced last year and we are sticking to it."
