The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken steps to bolster the domestic cricket setup. Therefore, the review committee was formed on March 18 by the BCCI Apex Council. This included Head Coach Rahul Dravid, General Manager Abey Kuruvilla, NCA Director VVS Laxman, and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar. This decision was made at the BCCI’s Apex Council meeting. Some concerns were raised about the challenges faced by domestic cricket. This was particularly seen in North India where bad weather has often stop and start matches.
The committee’s primary objective is to provide suggestions and recommendations to enhance the quality and structure of domestic cricket. This move reflects the BCCI’s commitment to strengthening the foundation of Indian cricket. Thereby ensuring a steady supply of talented players.
BCCI Agenda of the meeting
- Review the impact of weather on domestic cricket. Particularly focusing on the challenges faced in Eastern and Northern venues during the recent Ranji Trophy season.
- Evaluate the domestic cricket calendar to assess whether it is too congested. Aim to provide cricketers with more breathing space between matches and tournaments.
In recent months, the BCCI has emphasized the importance of domestic cricket. Moreover, they have urged senior national team players to participate in domestic tournaments when not on international duty. This emphasis is seen as a way to maintain and enhance the competitiveness of domestic cricket.
Gavaskar lauds BCCI’s decision
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has lauded the BCCI’s efforts. He suggested that an incentive scheme similar to the one for international players could be introduced for domestic cricketers. Gavaskar put forth the need to focus on the Ranji Trophy. Moreover, he suggested that increasing the fees for playing Ranji matches could motivate players. Thereby reduce pull outs from any tournament.
“That is a wonderful thing by the BCCI to reward those who would be playing but I would also request the BCCI to ensure that the feeder to the Test team, which is the Ranji Trophy, that is also looked after,” said Gavaskar.
“(If) the Ranji Trophy fees can be doubled or tripled, certainly there’ll be a lot more people playing the Ranji Trophy, (and a) lot less pull outs from the Ranji Trophy, because if the fees of playing a Ranji Trophy match is a good fee there will be less people pulling out for various reasons,” he added.Â
Overall, the forming of this committee and the renewed focus on domestic cricket underscore the BCCI’s commitment to groom talent at the junior level to ensure the long-term success of Indian cricket.
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