The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled a revamped domestic cricket calendar for the 2024-25 season, with a surprising twist for the CK Nayudu Trophy (India’s domestic under-23 cricket championship).
In an unprecedented move, the BCCI has abolished the coin toss for CK Nayudu Trophy matches. Instead, the visiting team will now have the privilege of choosing whether to bat or bowl first, marking a significant departure from tradition.
“The CK Nayudu Trophy introduces a revamped points system aimed at fostering balanced performances. This includes the attribution of points for batting and bowling prowess in the first innings, alongside points for securing the first innings lead or achieving an outright victory,” said the BCCI in a media advisory.
While the season kicks off with the Duleep Trophy in September, followed by the Irani Cup and the initial rounds of the Ranji Trophy, all eyes are on the CK Nayudu Trophy, where this innovative approach will be put to the test.
It remains to be seen how this change impacts strategies and team performances. Will visiting teams consistently opt to bowl first to exploit unknown pitches, or will they gamble on batting first and setting a strong total? The upcoming season promises to be an intriguing experiment as the BCCI aims to encourage well-rounded performances in domestic under-23 cricket.