BCCI scraps Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy, announces new domestic T20 league

Ajay Shirke and Anurag Thakur

Dharmasala, June 24 (IANS) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) working committee on Friday decided to replace the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament with a new domestic league in the country.

Apart from appointing former India skipper Anil Kumble as the head coach of the national team for an one-year term on Thursday, the board's first annual four-day conclave, which concluded with the all-powerful working committee on Friday announced a couple of key decisions.

Among the few crucial decisions, the board decided to do away with the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy and instead play a new inter-zonal T20 league.

"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," BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke said in a statement.

The working committee also approved the suggestions of the junior committee that an under-19 cricketer can represent India only once in the International Cricket Council (ICC) U-19 World Cup. Also any player entering the system at U-19 stage can play only two seasons in that age category.

"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 working committee also approved the technical committee's recommendation to hold Ranji Trophy matches at neutral venues while the board will explore options of hosting a mini Indian Premier League overseas in September.

"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."

In an effort to revive interests in the traditional format, the working committee also 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."

"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.