Xtra Time Web Desk : BCCI and NCA are likely to introduce a ’19 plus’ category after the U-19 level in order to preserve the future of talented cricketers and helping them not to go off radar after their phase in junior cricket.
Kamal Passi played a few matches for Punjab some seasons ago, Ravikant Singh is nowhere near the system now and four years since his glory days, Manjot Kalra’s career hasn’t got a head-start. They were all once U-19 World Cup winners but have fallen off the radar, which is an issue that the BCCI will have to address.
That’s why there could be an “19 plus” level added to the pathways structure with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) ensuring that the talented U-19 players who have just crossed the age-group remain firmly in the system and their progress is monitored.
A Shaik Rasheed (Andhra), Ravi Kumar (Bengal), Raj Angad Bawa (Chandigarh) or Yash Dhull (Delhi) might make it to the state side right away but many players from the current India line-up will be caught in between the post U-19 phase and Ranji Trophy.
“There is a five-tier pathways structure that National Cricket Academy could be looking at in future for developing players for the senior India team. It starts with U-16, followed by U-19, the Emerging (national U-23) and A team. In this there is a plan to add a ’19 plus’ level where all these boys could be integrated,” a senior BCCI official privy to discussions told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
Among all these levels, the BCCI’s U-25 (now known as state A team) is basically a platform given to players, who are unable to make the senior grade.
It is expected that the BCCI brass (president and secretary) might have discussions with the 10 national selectors (five junior and five senior) along with NCA supremo VVS Laxman and senior national head coach Rahul Dravid to create a blueprint.
(News Courtesy : PTI)