Ranji Trophy might be pushed back for World Cup prep

Pending the BCCI working committee's approval, India's domestic limited-overs tournaments - Vijay Hazare Trophy and Deodhar Trophy - for the 2014-15 season might be played before the Ranji Trophy to enable players to stake a claim for the World Cup squad. The decision was recommended by the BCCI's technical committee, chaired by former captain Anil Kumble. The teams might also follow the prevalent playing conditions in international cricket, including the field restrictions and a new ball from either end.

Usually the first-class competition kicks off the domestic season and is followed by the limited-overs tournaments. Other changes that were proposed were the deference of the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy and the Corporate Trophy to the next year, owing to a crowded calendar, and amending the existing under-25 age group for the CK Nayudu Trophy to under-23, with only three Ranji cricketers allowed per team.

The tour programme and fixtures committee nailed down the venues for West Indies' tour of India in October 2014. Bengaluru gets its first Test since hosting New Zealand in August 2012. The other two matches will take place in Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.

The one-day leg will be shared among Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Cuttack, Dharamsala and Kochi, while the lone T20 will be played in Delhi.