Domestic cricket may finally gets its due

Domestic cricket may finally gets its due
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

NEW DELHI, MAY 16: The match-fixing controversy is expected generate much fire at the crucial working committee meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be held here on May 19.

Some top BCCI office-bearers who attacked Bindra on Monday for his recent statements, in particular his naming of former skipper Kapil in connection with Prabhakar's allegation that a teammate tried to bribe him in 1994 to play poorly, are expected to raise the issue in the meeting where Bindra, Punjab Cricket Association President, will also be present.

According to the agenda, a review will be done of the recent meetings BCCI officials had with International Cricket Council (ICC) President Jagmohan Dalmiya in Calcutta and that with Sports Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa here on the match-fixing controversy.

The meeting will consider changes in the format of domestic tournaments, Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy in particular. The Ranji Super League will be done away with and two or three teams from each zone will move into the knock-out stage while the league format is expected to be reintroduced in Duleep trophy and it will be mandatory for all top players to participate.

A contract for players and introduction of fee linked to performance besides nomination of a medical panel to determine fitness and end controversies that crop up time and again over the issue are also expected to be discussed and finalised.

A request by the England Cricket Board for an under-19 tour of India in winter next year and participation of India in the inaugural Asian Cricket Council under-15 tournament in Malaysia next month will also be considered at the meeting.

The meeting is also expected to ratify a move to bring in medical tests in junior cricket to determine right age.

Among routine matters, construction of BCCI headquarters in Mumbai and ratification of arrangements for the newly-established National Academy in Bangalore are also likely to be carried through.

Changes proposed in domestic tournaments that will come up for approval includes a 10-day camp from October 1 and starting domestic season from the second week of that month.

Duleep Trophy tournament should not be held during tour by foreign teams and should be be played only at `good approved centres'' while one-day ties hitherto played a day before Ranji zonal league games will be played separately at a stretch over a week in each zone, as per the proposals.