Ranji Trophy goes back to home-and-away format

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) on Tuesday decided to revert to the home-and-away format after conducting Ranji Trophy league matches at neutral venues for one season.

Technical Committee chairman Sourav Ganguly said, “We have made the format home-and-away because of logistical reasons; even the players and captains wanted this. Associations also want to see their teams play at the home venue.”

 

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) on Tuesday decided to revert to the home-and-away format after conducting Ranji Trophy league matches at neutral venues for one season.

Addressing mediapersons following the Technical Committee meeting here, BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary said, “All league matches (of Ranji Trophy) will be home-and-away. The kncokout matches will continue to be held in neutral venues.”

The same format will also be applied for junior cricket.

Technical Committee chairman Sourav Ganguly said, “We have made the format home-and-away because of logistical reasons; even the players and captains wanted this. Associations also want to see their teams play at the home venue.”

The panel decided to change the groupings of Ranji Trophy, starting October 6, for an even distribution of teams. “Because of the addition of Chhattisgarh last year, the total number of teams in the Ranji Trophy became 28 (divided into two groups of nine teams each and one comprising 10). These teams will be split into four different groups with top two qualifying for the quarterfinals,” said Choudhary.