Host Ranji games at neutral venues: BCCI technical committee

The technical committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recommended two changes for the 2016-17 domestic season.

The Sourav Ganguly-led committee has floated the idea of hosting all Ranji Trophy matches at neutral venues 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 the players to play in different conditions.”

A revamp of the Duleep Trophy, from a knock-out tournament into a day-night four-team round-robin affair, has also been suggested.

The squads will be picked by the national selectors.

The Duleep Trophy was not held last year as the national team had heavy T20 international commitments.

But, with India scheduled to play a slew of Test matches at home this season, including a possible day-night Test, the tournament has acquired added importance.

The recommendations will now be tabled at the BCCI Working Committee.

The committee also cleared India-A’s tour of Australia in August for two four-day matches and a tri-series.

NCA meeting

In the National Cricket Academy committee meeting that was held, the members were updated about the ongoing zonal camps in various age groups and umpires’ refresher course.

The physiotherapist and trainers’ course to be conducted next month was also briefed about.