Bangla 'A' to take on Baroda today

KSCA XI run into KSCA Colts

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.

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.

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.   

The Shahriar Ahmed-led side will feature in the opening round of matches when they take on Baroda Cricket Association at the Alur Ground.

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.

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.