MJ Xavier (right) hands over the proposal document to JSCA president Amitabh Choudhary in Ranchi on Saturday. (Prashant Mitra)

Ranchi, Nov. 10: If Ranchi bowls you over with the first one-day international at the swank cricket stadium on January 19, you are likely to thank Indian Institute of Management (IIM).

IIM-Ranchi director M.J. Xavier today handed a proposal document containing creative inputs by management students to Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) chairman Amitabh Choudhary for hosting the upcoming India-England ODI in a grand manner.

The collaborative effort, a brainchild of Choudhary, is “the first time a B-school is joining hands with a cricket association for an event of this stature”, said Xavier.

The proposal puts forward various strategic plans drafted by students of IIM-R to assist the state outfit all the way, right from promotion to staging the event at the 40,000-capacity JSCA International Cricket Stadium in Dhurwa.

“Students have come with new and creative ideas to make the event a great success,” added Xavier.

The students have divided the proposal into various section such as hospitality, events and contests, cultural committee, marketing and branding, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, operations and logistics.

The proposal also aims to promote Jharkhand and its culture through events showcasing the history of the state. Social media marketing is also on the cards, with plans to hold contests on networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Besides, it also plans to market the event through road shows, FM radio, posters, print media and exclusive apparels.

For logistic support, the proposal stresses optimising the parking space, crowd management, et al.

In the build-up to the ODI, interest will be generated in and around Ranchi by organising debates, quizzes and drawing competition in schools and colleges.

The proposal also promises activities by the CSR Club of IIM-R, Samarpan, and sale of merchandise signed by cricketers, teaming up with NGOs in the state capital.