The TNCA one-day league for first division teams kicks off on Sunday. For the first time, all the 12 teams will meet each other once in the VAP Trophy. The teams will play three rounds in this phase before the TNPL gets underway on July 11.
TNCA joint-secretary R.I. Palani told
The Hindu
on Saturday, “We basically wanted to give cricketers more opportunities and now we have 11 games for each side. But this format is not set in stone. We will see how it goes this year and then take a call.”
Palani revealed a T20 tournament for first division teams was on the cards too.
“We could have it during the IPL next year, of course the State players in the IPL will not be able to take part, but the others will get an opportunity.”
And during this Ranji season, the TNCA is contemplating a Challenger Trophy for players who did not make it to the State team. Palani said, “During the Ranji season, we do not know the form of the players who are not in the squad and thus it becomes difficult to pick replacements if needed.”
Meanwhile, in MCC and MRC, the first division has two high-profile promoted teams. MRC is a star-studded outfit with the likes of skipper R. Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara and Axar Patel.
Heavyweight Vijay has batsmen Himmat Singh and Rahul Singh as ts outstation cricketers. The stage is set for what should be an engaging a new season.
A T20 tournament for first division teams was on the cards
Challenger Trophy for players who did not make it to the State team also planned
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