BCCI to review the present points system for the Ranji Trophy

BCCI to review the present points system for the Ranji Trophy: The BCCI technical committee met earlier today in Mumbai and has considered some recommendations for the Working Committee of the BCCI. First of all the much awaited changes in Ranji Trophy were discussed. To make the tournament more competitive, BCCI has decided to review the current points system in the Ranji Trophy.

It was proposed in the meeting to do away with the 3 points awarded for the first innings lead and 1 point for the other team and introduce a more effective bonus point system which will be applicable to both batting and bowling, in the first innings. It was discussed that 1 bonus point should be awarded for scoring 300 or more runs in 85 over’s and one bonus point for a team taking 7 or more wickets in 85 over’s. At the same time the current point system of 6 points for a win and bonus point if applicable won’t be changed. The objective behind this move is understood as to make the tournament more exciting and encourage teams to go for an outright victory.

Another matter that was discussed was, postponing the Duleep Trophy to March-April 2016. Considering the fact that India is also hosting the ICC World T20 during that same period it has proposed to re-schedule the Duleep Trophy. A revamp of the tournament is also on the cards. It was proposed that three teams should participate in that and that the winner of the Hazare Trophy should be one contender and the other two teams should be picked by the national selectors. Re-formatting the One-Day Inter-State Seniors’ and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournaments were also discussed and proposals for forming four groups from across the country were discussed as opposed to the current zonal system.

Anil Kumble, the Chairman of the committee said that it was a fruitful discussion and that these considerations and proposals will help in strengthening domestic cricket in the country. He added that the hope was that these measures will make domestic cricket more challenging and interesting.

The technical committee also patted the BCCI’s back for its stringent approach towards bowlers with suspect bowling actions and it also recommended that the ICC protocols be followed which will further strengthen the process. It also observed that there were concerns regarding wicket preparations at some venues and suggested various measures which will help in taking corrective measure for the future.

Anurag Thakur, Honorary Secretary of the BCCI said that he was confident that they will be able to make the upcoming domestic season more competitive. He also added that these decisions could have a long term impact on the cricket season in India.