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Mumbai: The Vijay Hazare Trophy one day matches could be played in a format similar to the Ranji Trophy, consisting of three divisions, from next season if the BCCI accepts the proposal it received on Tuesday at the one-day conclave of captains and coaches, here.
“They (Ranji captains and coaches) were keen for the one day matches to be played in the Ranji Trophy format. But it’s tough. Right now it’s a zonal tournament and they want it to be played like how the Ranji Trophy is played...like criss-crossing (the country). It’s tough logistically,” said BCCI’s technical committee chairman Anil Kumble after the annual one-day meeting.
The technical committee did an overhaul of the Ranji Trophy format at the end of last season by abolishing elite and plate divisions and bringing in a three-tier system, featuring all teams from this season.
But, the one-day matches are being held under the elite and plate division format.
Kumble said the general consensus was that the newly introduced format for Ranji Trophy is good but most of the teams wanted a longer gap in between the matches.
“They want a longer break in between two games, which will extend the season. They want a four-day gap (instead of three-day gap at present). It is the preferred option. But then we will have to look at a combination where some matches have three-day gaps and some have four days,” said Kumble.
Some teams also requested for a neutral venue during the knockout stages of Ranji Trophy, said the former India captain, adding that the technical committee would discuss these suggestions when it meets in a couple of weeks’ time.
Mumbai coach Sulakshan Kulkarni said he did not agree with the suggestion of playing Ranji games at neutral venues, pointing out that Sachin Tendulkar had opposed it in 2009.
Bengal team coach W. V. Raman agreed and said, “They mooted that. I don’t think it will make any difference, honestly. If you are a side that is good enough to get into the latter part of the tournament, you should be able to adapt to all conditions.”
“In the knockout stage, teams will be tested in terms of temperament and adaptability. The only thing is if the first innings result is not achieved then the host side should be docked,” said Raman.
The former Test opener further said he had suggested playing the knockout stage of the one-day games under lights.
“I suggested that the one-day knockouts at least should be played on day-night basis. We have seen it the last few years that things swing highly in favour of the team winning the toss,” said Raman.
“Even in the recent edition, most of the matches were in favour of the team winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Primarily the reason is that the matches start at 9 am,” he added.
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