Ranji Trophy is one of the most prestigious domestic competitions of India. Many cricketers started their journey at this level of first-class cricket and went on to represent India at the international level. Even a few international players have participated in the competition.
While Ranji Trophy was one of the most-followed tournaments at one time, the viewership and fan following of the tournament has reduced in the T20 era. Still, Test cricket has managed to survive with some changes, and here’s a look at the three ways BCCI can try to make Ranji Trophy more exciting.
1. Ranji Trophy group stage should happen when Team India plays fewer matches
Ranji Trophy group stage clashed with India’s home Test series against England in 2023/24. Even last year, Australia played a Test series against India at this time. Perhaps, BCCI can think of moving the group stage of this tournament to November.
The board should divide the teams into eight groups instead of five, so that the number of days taken to play group stage reduce. Then, the top 2 teams from each team can qualify for Round of 16 like football tournaments.
2. No matches for Team India in Ranji knockouts, all players should be available
Like BCCI has drawn an exclusive window for IPL, they should plan an exclusive window for Ranji Trophy also. Perhaps, January can be that window, with Round of 16 in Week 1, Quarterfinals in Week 2, Semifinals in Week 3 and Final in Week 4.
All players should be available for the knockout matches, and they should happen at main Test centres of India so that the fans get to enjoy live action in highest quality.
3. All knockout matches should be pink-ball games
India has struggled a bit in pink-ball matches. To ensure that the Indian players have a great idea of the day/night format, the board can compulsorily keep participation for knockout matches and use pink ball only. The tournament will be much more exciting with these changes.
