<p>On a day when the biggest sporting spectacle on earth -- the Olympics -- kicks off in London, Karnataka cricket’s, in fact India’s, domestic season-opener will also roll on quietly on the outskirts of Bangalore on Thursday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The four-day format Safi Darashah Trophy tournament, whose matches in Mysore begin from Friday, will see some of country’s big and promising names get cracking ahead of a tough, long season. <br /><br />While teams like defending Ranji Trophy champions Rajasthan, traditional cricketing powerhouse Mumbai -- besides three sides from the host association -- provide an intense competitive touch to the eight-team meet, the presence of Bangladesh ‘A’ team, which has a fair sprinkling of its national players, will add an extra edge to the event. <br /><br />The Shahriar Ahmed-led side will feature in the opening round of matches when they take on Baroda Cricket Association at the Alur Ground. <br /><br />The same day, KSCA XI and KSCA Colts will run into each other at the BGS Ground, which will be formally inaugurated ahead of the encounter.<br /><br />The ‘B’ Zone matches in Mysore would be the most sought after ones with four of the strongest teams -- defending champions KSCA President’s XI, Rajasthan, Hyderabad and Mumbai -- featuring in the group. Star India batsman VVS Laxman will join Hyderabad ahead of their clash against Mumbai, next week.<br /></p>
<p>On a day when the biggest sporting spectacle on earth -- the Olympics -- kicks off in London, Karnataka cricket’s, in fact India’s, domestic season-opener will also roll on quietly on the outskirts of Bangalore on Thursday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The four-day format Safi Darashah Trophy tournament, whose matches in Mysore begin from Friday, will see some of country’s big and promising names get cracking ahead of a tough, long season. <br /><br />While teams like defending Ranji Trophy champions Rajasthan, traditional cricketing powerhouse Mumbai -- besides three sides from the host association -- provide an intense competitive touch to the eight-team meet, the presence of Bangladesh ‘A’ team, which has a fair sprinkling of its national players, will add an extra edge to the event. <br /><br />The Shahriar Ahmed-led side will feature in the opening round of matches when they take on Baroda Cricket Association at the Alur Ground. <br /><br />The same day, KSCA XI and KSCA Colts will run into each other at the BGS Ground, which will be formally inaugurated ahead of the encounter.<br /><br />The ‘B’ Zone matches in Mysore would be the most sought after ones with four of the strongest teams -- defending champions KSCA President’s XI, Rajasthan, Hyderabad and Mumbai -- featuring in the group. Star India batsman VVS Laxman will join Hyderabad ahead of their clash against Mumbai, next week.<br /></p>
