Changes suggested in Ranji, Duleep format
As in life, change is the essence of cricket
Staff Reporter
09-May-2001
As in life, change is the essence of cricket. The game must move with
the times and this is true not only of international cricket but also
of the domestic game. The Ranji Trophy and the Duleep Trophy, the two
most prestigious national tournaments have undergone many changes in
the 67 years and 40 years respectively since their inception.
The premier inter-state national competition was initially played on a
knock out basis. In 1957-58 it was changed to a league cum knock out
pattern. In 1970-71, while the format remained much the same, two
teams instead of one qualified for the knock out in a bid to make the
final rounds more interesting. For the past few years, three teams
have been allowed to qualify from each of the five zones and the
matches have been played either on knock out or super league format
before the final.
The Duleep Trophy inter-zonal championship has undergone less change.
Played on knock out format for more than 30 years, it was held on a
league pattern for three years in the 90s. Thereafter it was back to
the knock out format till this season when it was held again on a
league basis.
Now if a proposal by the West Zone associations is given serious
thought by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, there could be
more changes in the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy format. The
associations for example have suggested that the Duleep Trophy should
again be played on a knock out basis since the league format, it is
felt is long drawn in a season that is already chock-full with various
matches, domestic and international.
For the Ranji Trophy, a more revolutionary change has been suggested,
based on promotion and relegation. The plan, as envisaged, is that the
15 teams which qualified for the knock out should be placed in two
groups while the 12 who did not qualify should be placed in two other
groups. After league matches between the competing teams in the four
groups, the sides which finish last in the first two groups will be
relegated while the sides which finish top of the other two groups
will earn promotion. The top four teams in each of the first two
groups will then play a knock out (quarterfinal) round to decide the
winner of the trophy.
It is believed that this move has been thought of as some of the
matches at the zonal level are hopelessly lop sided. There are teams
in some of the zones that have not shown the desired improvement while
some past giants have fallen on lean days. According to the format
suggested by the West Zone associations, matches in which there is
hardly any competition will be reduced considerably and the general
standard will be higher and the games more keenly fought, even at the
zonal level.
Suggestions have also been made for changes in the format for various
junior tournaments. In the under-14 tournament for example there is a
plea that the matches be reduced to two days duration as the existing
three day format is taxing on the youngsters. The suggestions will be
forwarded to the BCCI who are expected to refer them to the technical
committee which is likely to meet in New Delhi next week.