Captains-Coaches meet: Ranji knockouts set to be on home and away basis too

Aditya Tare

After receiving a positive response to the introduction of neutral curators in the Ranji Trophy for the first time last season, the BCCI is keen to adopt the same approach for the knockouts as well.

During the Captains and Coaches conclave held at a city hotel yesterday, the BCCI may look to revert to the previous practise of holding Ranji quarters, semis and final on an home and away basis, but with neutral curators in charge of preparing the pitch.

No complains over pitches
"Everyone felt that if the system (neutral curators) worked well, then why not have it in the knockouts too. There were no complaints this time as far as pitches were concerned. It will also bring the home team's fans for the knockout games," a BCCI official told mid-day.

In a major relief for domestic players, the BCCI assured to keep intact their 10.6 per cent share from the gross revenue. This comes after mid-day highlighted that there won't be any major gains for domestic cricketers despite the substantial hike in their match fees if the gross revenue component is taken away. "It has been clarified to the domestic players that they will be entitled to the gross revenue share. We are waiting for the BCCI media rights to be announced to get more clarity on the exact revenue share," a BCCI official said. Mumbai skipper Aditya Tare, who raised the domestic players remuneration issue, said: "It has been explained by the officials and I'm happy with what we will get."

Tare backs three groups
There were suggestions that the BCCI should consider going back to three groups instead of four during the Ranji Trophy as introduced this time. "It assures more matches and it also helps a team bounce back and qualify for the knockouts if they have had a few results not going their way in the first few matches," Tare added.

Among the other issues raised were having at least a day's break between one-dayers and T20s. "Having back-to-back matches is sometimes quite hectic. Most of the time the team arrives the hotel late evening as the venue is quite far from the hotel. We have requested for at least a day's break to keep players fresh," said a state team's coach.