Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to be replaced with new domestic league

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) working committee on Friday decided to replace the domestic T20 tournament, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a new league.

BCCI’s first annual four-day conclave, which concluded on Friday, has made some key decisions apart from appointing Anil Kumble as the head coach. Among them, one of the main decision was to replace Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy with a new inter-zonal T20 league.

BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke said in a statement, “First, all state teams will play an inter-zonal league in their respective zones. And then all five zones selecting a zonal side to play an Inter-Zonal League,”

Another decision made by the working committee is that an Under-19 cricketer can represent India only once in the International Cricket Council (ICC) U19 World Cup any player entering the system at the under-19 stage can play only two seasons of under-19 cricket.

Also read – Harbhajan Singh wants BCCI to switch from SG balls to the Duke

“Working Committee approved the following suggestions of the junior committee. 1. Under-19 cricketer can represent India only once in the ICC under-19 World Cup. 2. Any player entering the system at under-19 stage can play only two seasons of under-19 cricket,” he said.

The recommendation to hold Ranji Trophy matches at neutral venues was also approved by the working committee. “Technical committee recommendation to hold Ranji Trophy matches at neutral venues was approved. BCCI will explore the option of hosting mini IPL overseas in September.”

Also read – Ramaswamy Prasanna set for coaching role for the upcoming TNPL

In order to revive Test cricket, the working committee has announced that it will have a separate marketing budget in the coming season for the longest version of the game.

“To popularise Test cricket, BCCI will have a separate marketing budget in the coming season. The BCCI and the state units will work together towards promotion and marketing of International matches.”

Also check out – Infographic: Stats and records from the Zimbabwe v Indian T20I series

“BCCI will enter into venue agreements with the associations hosting international matches in the coming season, defining their roles and responsibilities and minimum standards required,” he added.