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Ranji format gets the thumbs up

By Our Special Correspondent

Mumbai June 6. At the conclave of captains and coaches convened by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), there was virtual unanimity, approving the trailblazing two-level Ranji Trophy system, but contrastingly reservations were expressed on the Duleep Trophy format.

But the men in white coat, it appears did not have friends at all at the conclave. Captains and coaches confiding in the sidelines believe that the Duleep Trophy will revert to the time tested inter-zonal system. The BCCI president Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya and the chairman of the technical committee Sunil Gavaskar hinted at the possibility of a league-cum-knockout format with an addition of sixth team from foreign shores.

At the outset Mr. Dalmiya said that the conclave was meant to interact with the players and to ascertain the best way to make domestic cricket a true gateway for international cricket. "We invited positive criticisms for corrective steps. The interaction was lively, free and frank. There were several former India players who took part in the conclave, namely Gavaskar and Bishen Singh Bedi (coach, Delhi), Venkatesh Prasad, Venkatapathi Raju, Arshad Ayub. Gavaskar's contribution was useful.''

According to Mr. Dalmiya the captains and coaches `acclaimed' the new format of the National championship that saw in the last season, 15 best teams taking part in the Elite Group and 10 teams in the Plate Group.

When asked why the BCCI units were reluctant to accept Gavaskar's first recommendation of only the 10 best teams forming the Elite Group, Mr. Dalmiya said, "well, the Board felt that the 15 teams of equal strength should be in the Elite Group.''

The 2002-03 finalists Karnataka and Kerala will be promoted to the Elite Group and Orissa and Himachal Pradesh will be relegated to the Plate Group.

The representatives of the 27 teams have said that the new format was competitive and effective. According to Mr. Dalmiya the participants have proposed batting and bowling points to be introduced from the next season.

"The interaction was very good. All of them contributed. This has not happened often in the past. It would be fantastic if the star players take part in the domestic tournaments, but they are all occupied playing international cricket. With regard to the Duleep Trophy, not everybody was sure of the format that's to be followed, but I think everybody is favourable towards league-cum-format with six teams,'' said Mr. Gavaskar.

Mumbai's joint honorary secretary Lalchand Rajput suggested that instead of a foreign team, the NCA team should be included in the Duleep Trophy.

The Board had convened a meeting of captains after the 1997 season and felt that it was a `fruitful' conclave. "We have decided to make it an annual feature. We have also informed them that 26 per cent of the Board's revenue will be distributed to the players. India's national team will receive 13, first class players 10 and junior cricketers three per cent,'' said Mr. Dalmiya.

The captains were asked to comment on the following: 1. The significance of the new format of the Ranji Trophy; whether it was more competitive than the earlier format. 2. Was the points system in order, 3. Whether the Ranji Trophy one-day tournament should be played under lights and at one venue in each zone.

4. What were the pros and cons of having `mixed' teams in the Duleep Trophy and should the Board persist with it. 5. Whether there was any utility of having `A' team (under-25) tournament. 6. What was the general standard of umpiring.

7. What was the general standard of the pitches and grounds and was there any improvement as a result of the Board's initiative to relay wickets and outfield in 11 centres. 8. Did the association appoint fitness trainer for the Ranji Trophy/plate teams 9. Have the fitness equipment provided by the BCCI to all affiliated unite been installed and put to use by the cricketers.

Ranji Trophy winner Mumbai has said that the new format was more competitive, but that points system should be revised. Baroda which reached the semifinal has pointed out that it was played on different types of wickets and provided more variety and opportunities for the players.

Baroda also pointed out that there was nothing like team spirit amongst the teams in the Duleep Trophy. Bengal has also said that the Duleep Trophy was not played in the right spirit.

Andhra said a lot of introspection was needed for the new format. Madhya Pradesh felt that competitiveness was missing and that players seemed to be playing more for themselves than the teams.

Teams were scathing on the umpires' fraternity. Assam pointed out that quality of umpiring had dropped, while Baroda felt that umpiring needed to improve and Bengal said that umpiring was rather poor. Madhya Pradesh said it was inconsistent and Rajasthan said it was far from satisfactory.

Mr. Dalmiya said, "we have heard one side of the story. We will be having an interactive session with the umpires.'' According to a coach of a team, some participants said that the Board should be careful in appointing match referees/match observers. "They pointed out that match referees were sleeping and were not knowledgeable,'' he said.

Tamil Nadu's coach Bharat Arun said the conclave turned out to be useful and that everybody wanted to go back to the inter-zonal Duleep Trophy format. Gujarat coach Bhagirath Thakore said it was the first time he was attending a conclave in which there was free and frank discussions.

Finally, Mr. Dalmiya was asked why the Board had banned the chairman of selectors from addressing a conference. "It was becoming a media trial and that the practice is not prevalent in other countries.'' The BCCI chief assured that he would have an interactive session with the Indian cricket media shortly.

Meanwhile the programmes and fixture committee of the Board will meet here on Saturday to finalise the itinerary against New Zealand this winter and the tri-series in which Australia will be the third team.

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