While the news of India’s long home season, consisting of 13 Tests will come as great news for lovers of the traditional format of the game, the first-class cricket could take a serious beating as it is now learnt that due to the cramped schedule of international matches, the Ranji Trophy games will not be televised.
For the past few season, at least one round of matches in the group stage has been televised by broadcasters and then one of the quarterfinals and the semifinals has also been shown live for viewers.
As has been the case for some time, the Ranji Trophy does not attract large crowds to the venues as well, unless in exceptional circumstances, when an Indian star is turning out for his state side, in which case people do fill a section of the venue.
The board has also tried to rope in Indian commentators, who work on international matches to speak on Ranji Trophy matches, with the likes of Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, Sunil Gavaskar taking up the microphone for the national championships as well.
The Ranji Trophy is slated to start from the 6th of October and will have its earliest final, starting from the 7th of January and going up to the 11th of January. Defending champions Mumbai, who are presently involved in a three-day tour match against the visiting New Zealanders, are placed in Group A along with the likes of Baroda, Tamil Nadu etc. In a difference to previous norm, the Ranji Trophy will also be held at neutral venues this year.
Unlike last season, the limited-overs leg of the domestic season, consisting of the Vijay Hazare trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy will be held post the Ranji season.
Raipur and Belgaum will make their debut as venues for the Ranji season and the Chinnaswamy Stadium will be the only venue where no matches will be held, since the drainage facilities in the ground is undergoing an upgrade.
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