Captains and coaches of various domestic teams have urged the BCCI to rethink the qualification mechanism adopted for the Ranji Trophy knockouts. The representation was made during the annual captains and coaches conclave here on Friday.
Last season, with the addition of nine teams, the BCCI not only introduced the Plate Group for the newbies but also decided to let the Plate topper play the Ranji quarterfinals — at the cost of a team from the top-two groups.
The Hindu understands that almost half a dozen captains and coaches who spoke during the conclave have asked for a re-jig in the format. All the delegates welcomed new teams, but stressed that the Ranji knockouts should not be diluted.
“We are happy with more players getting a taste of First Class cricket, but it should not hamper the quality of the tournament, so it was suggested that the Plate Group champion — possibly with one or two more teams — be promoted to Group C but not included in the knockouts,” a coach of a major domestic side, preferring anonymity, told The Hindu .
No mention
However, this suggestion, made by several stalwarts, did not find mention in the statement released by the BCCI. There was also the suggestion to revert to the zonal format to make the tournament relevant.
Despite the concept of neutral curators being introduced, there have been cases of some State associations not allowing these curators to work on the pitch ahead of key matches, giving undue advantage to the home teams.
Doing away with the toss and letting the visiting team choose whether to bat or bowl was also discussed.
Some high-profile teams (Mumbai Cricket Association did not depute a representative for the fist time) raised the need to introduce DRS — if not for all televised games, at least for the knockouts — to improve umpiring standards. However, with the high costs involved in adopting the technology, it will be interesting to see what the BCCI decides.
Later in the day, coaches and captains of domestic women’s teams — in a first — also discussed means to improve the set-up. The key demand was that more matches for girls and women be organised.
