Technical Committee to decide on changes in domestic structure: BCCI

Mumbai, Apr 7 (UNI) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would put forward the suggestions given by the seven former captains to the Technical Committee on changes to the domestic cricket structure in the country.

''It's for the Technical Committee to discuss these suggestions like reduction of Ranji Trophy Elite Group from the existing 15 to 10 teams and a round-robin format,'' the board sources today said.

The ex-captains felt that this would help improve the quality and competitiveness in domestic cricket.

Interestingly, Sunil Gavaskar, who was among the captains invited for the meeting, is also the Technical Committee's Chairman.

They also suggested that international stars be made available to play domestic cricket for at least 6-8 weeks in a year which can be done by amending the Future Tours Programme of the International Cricket Council.

''BCCI should try their level best to amend the FTP in the general interest of Indian cricket,'' they have said.

Some of the other suggestions pertain to improving the quality of wickets in domestic cricket both at the senior and junior levels and scheduling more India A tours to countries like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies.

To ensure against player burn-outs they have also suggested that a pool of 30 players be formed which can be rotated in such a way that no cricketer plays more than 80 days of international cricket in a year.

Their suggestions to curtail player endorsements and appointment of paid selectors would be discussed at the Working Committee meeting today.

UNI