BCCI technical committee proposes several changes to domestic cricket structure

The technical committee of the BCCI met in Mumbai on Tuesday, proposing several changes to structures and systems in domestic cricket.

First, the Ranji Trophy points system seems set to be overhauled. It has been proposed to abolish the current system of awarding 3 points for the first innings lead and 1 point for the other side. Instead, a bonus point will be awarded to a team scoring 300 runs in 85 overs, and a bonus point to a team taking 7 wickets in 85 overs. However, the current system of awarding 6 points for an outright win and a bonus point if applicable, will continue.

The Duleep Trophy for 2016 has also been postponed, because India will host the ICC World Twenty20 in March-April 2016. It was also proposed to revamp the current format of the Deodhar Trophy and have three teams participating - the winner of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and two teams picked by the national selectors.

The Committee praised the efforts of the BCCI to curb the menace of 'chucking' (illegal bowling actions) and the remedial steps taken in this regard. It has avowed to follow ICC protocols in this regard.

The One-Day Inter-State Seniors’ tournament and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament will also be reformated by forming four groups from across the country, as against the current zonal system.

"It was a fruitful discussion with an increased focus on strengthening domestic cricket.  We hope that some of the measures suggested will make domestic cricket more interesting and challenging," Anil Kumble, who is the chairman of the Technical Committee, said according to a press release.