Letters: Reforms in cricket

The editorial “Passing the Test” (December 12) makes a good case for giving due importance to domestic cricket in identifying and nurturing talent for Test games. For Indian Premier League (IPL) players, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made participation in the Ranji Trophy compulsory. Players should also be made a part of their state teams for a fixed percentage of time in a season. Similarly, the earlier practice of visiting teams playing a three-day game preceding each Test should be revived. Such measures will enable domestic players to assess and hone their skills against international talent.

India’s problem is both “too much of cricket” and “too much of money” for players with inequitable apportioning. While IPL auctions bring a lot of money, they tempt the players to risk their health or hide their injuries to reap the benefit. On the other hand, the reward budget for domestic competition is niggardly. If BCCI wants IPL players to play at least 60 per cent of their matches in the Ranji Trophy, it should ensure they are adequately rewarded.

Y G Chouksey, Pune

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