Date:09/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/08/09/stories/2004080904561600.htm

Sport - Cricket

MRF Trophy from August 11

BANGALORE, AUG. 8. The KSCA all-India invitation tournament for the MRF Trophy will commence here on August 11.

The tournament, considered the season opener for domestic cricket, was formally announced at a press conference here on Saturday night.

The tournament will feature 12 teams, including reigning champion Cricket Association of Bengal and host KSCA.

The teams will be split into four zones and the final will be held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium from August 25 to 27.

The final and the semifinals will consist of three-day matches while the preliminary league will have two-day matches.

The teams: `A' Zone: National Cricket Academy, Air India and Canara Bank.

`B' Zone: Hyderabad Cricket Association, ONGC and Cricket Association of Bengal.

`C' Zone: Associated Bank, Bihar Cricket Association and Chemplast.

`D' Zone: KSCA, Indian Airlines and Assam Cricket Association.