CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Former Indian cricket team captain Dilip Vengsarkar has questioned the scheduling of the India A team’s tour of New Zealand during the Ranji Trophy. He believes that organising an international tour alongside domestic cricket’s most important first-class tournament could reduce the significance of the Ranji Trophy. He has expressed concern over the scheduling by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The India A team will play a series of four-day matches against New Zealand A from October 24. Players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant have been included for the tour. The purpose of these matches is to give players experience of playing in overseas conditions and prepare them for the upcoming international Test series.
However, the 2026-27 season of the Ranji Trophy has already begun from October 11. With the schedules of the two competitions clashing, domestic teams may face difficulties over the availability of their key players. Vengsarkar’s concern is that if talented and experienced players remain away during domestic matches, the competitiveness and importance of the Ranji Trophy could be affected.
India A’s tour of New Zealand is useful for player development and practice in overseas conditions, but it is also necessary to maintain a balance with the interests of domestic cricket. Vengsarkar’s remarks have once again started a debate on how international preparation and domestic competitions in Indian cricket should be organised with better coordination.
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