India’s U-23 cricket structure is set to get a makeover as the BCCI is likely to allow inclusion of players who are yet to reach 25 years of age in the U-23 teams of all states for the domestic competitions, the idea being to provide more game time to the cricketers.
“If things go according to plan, a final decision could be taken very soon with an official announcement in a week or two,” a Board source said on Monday.
“This is on the cards as the emphasis is on giving players more game time since we had a curtailed domestic season in 2020-21 because of the pandemic… there were no U-19 or U-23 tournaments either.
“Besides, those players below 25 who don’t find a place in or are dropped from the senior squads, could then turn up for their states’ now U-25 or ‘A’ teams (depending on how they will be referred to) and utilise that time by being part of competitive games,” the source added.
Former BCCI general manager (cricket operations), Syed Saba Karim, feels this would be a good initiative.
“There are a number of players who are late bloomers. As of now, after U-23, they only have the Ranji Trophy to look forward to at the senior level, while there are many who bloom after the age of 23. So this will be another opportunity for some of them to play for the state side and impress the selectors,” he said.
