No change in Hazare format, says Kumble

The BCCI is unlikely to agree to the proposal to change the format of the Vijay Hazare Trophy one-day tournament on the lines of the revamped Ranji Trophy because of logistical issues, former India captain Anil Kumble indicated on Friday.  

“Logistics, I think, will still be a serious issue. I think we will let it remain as it is,” Kumble told reporters after chairing the technical committee meeting of the BCCI here.
The proposal of playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy on the lines of the Ranji Trophy in three groups was received at the Ranji captains and coaches conclave held here on March 5.

During the conclave some teams had also requested for neutral venues during the knockout stages of Ranji Trophy, and the former leg-spinner said that rather than making venues neutral, specific venues would be short-listed.

“More than the neutral venues, what has been recommended is the suggested venues. There will be a list of venues because it depends on various (factors). Yes, in the coming season we don’t have much of international cricket in India, so that is different but also the identified venues will be the norm rather than neutral venues,’’ he added.

However, Kumble said a final decision on these proposals as well as others like widening the gap between two domestic games from three to four days will be taken up at another sitting next month.

“This was more of a preliminary meeting because this was the first time that this new technical committee was meeting. So it was just to get to understand everyone.”