By CricketCountry Staff
The new domestic structure has given hopes to many teams belonging to the Plate division to not only compete in more matches but also help draw selectors’ attention for the players to be considered for the national team.
Published: Jun 16, 2012, 11:29 AM (IST)
Edited: Jun 16, 2012, 11:29 AM (IST)
Andhra Pradesh Cricket Association director M.S.K. Prasad the new format will give chance to all teams, including weaker teams, to prove their mettle © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
Hyderabad: Jun 16, 2012
The new domestic structure has given hopes to many teams belonging to the Plate division to not only compete in more matches but also help draw selectors’ attention for the players to be considered for the national team.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday approved a number of changes in the domestic structure, which included the three-group format.
According to the new format, nine teams will be included in each of the three groups and three teams each from the first and second group and two from the third will quality for the knockout stage after playing eight matches in the league stage.
Andhra Cricket Association director M.S.K. Prasad feels the new framework will eliminate the discrimination for the national selection that occurred hitherto.
Former India wicket keeper, Prasad was quoted by The Hindu as saying, “Earlier, teams from Elite Group were looked up and players representing Elite teams were preferred for international assignments.
“Performance by players from Plate Division often went unnoticed. Now all the teams are clubbed as one segment thus giving a chance to all teams, including weaker teams, to prove their mettle.”
He added, “Players who are below 25 years of age as on September of the year in which the season starts, will be eligible to be part of the ‘A’ team. Every team is allowed to field the Ranji Trophy players (those who have figured in the playing XI of the Ranji Trophy in the ongoing season or immediate preceding season) in each game.”
