BCCI decided to retain the two-division format in the Ranji Trophy for the 2007-08 season with some changes in the points system at the league stage.
BANGALORE: BCCI's Technical Committee on Monday decided to retain the two-division format in the Ranji Trophy for the 2007-08 season with some changes in the points system at the league stage.
It also decided that the Duleep Trophy inter-zonal tournament would be held after the final of the Ranji Trophy instead of at the beginning of the season as is the case at present.
These were the major recommendation made by the committee at a meeting here chaired by former captain Sunil Gavaskar and they would have to be ratified by the BCCI's Working Committee when it meets at Delhi on June 12, said BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah.
There were indications that the technical committee might change the format temporarily for one season to comply with the diktat of the all-powerful Working Committee to reduce the number of teams in the Elite Division to 10 from the current 15 from the 2008-09 season.
"After long deliberations it was decided to retain the same format for Ranji Trophy this season. There would be 15 teams in the Elite Division and 12 teams in the Plate division. We will try and find out an equitable way to reduce the Elite division teams to 10 during the course of the season itself," Joint Secretary Mohinder Pandove said.
"Yes, the decision of the Working Committee has to be complied with but we will take these suggestions to the Working Committee and then whatever is decided there will have to be put forth to the General Body," Pandove explained.
Shah said that the meeting discussed mainly the suggestions that were given at the Ranji captains and coaches conclave held in April in Mumbai.
"It has been decided to change the Ranji points system. For the next season if a team gains the first innings lead in a drawn tie it would get three points while the other team will get one point. Outright victories would fetch five points plus a bonus point if it's done by an innings or with 10 wickets to spare," Shah said.
Till last season an outright win fetched four points while there were no points for conceding first innings lead with provision to earn an additional point for winning by 10 wickets or an innings.
Shah said that instead of holding it in October the Duleep Trophy would be held after the end of the Ranji Trophy.
He also said that it would be difficult to accommodate a Twenty20 domestic tournament for next season and has left it to the Programmes and Fixtures Committee to squeeze in a Twenty20 event.
"Last year we did it as we are participating in the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa in September," he said.
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