The Indian cricket board’s decision to set back the age-limit for the CK Nayudu Trophy to Under-23, down from 25, has left a few of the cricket associations in state of bother. Many states associations, including the Mumbai Cricket Association, have not only picked under-25 players but their off-season camp had also commenced before the age limit was revised by the BCCI. The Punjab Cricket Association had already picked their Under-25 team following an inter-district championship, which served as a selection trial.

Positive move

“The decision to change the age group from under 25 to under 23 is a positive move. At the same time the problem for associations like us is that we have already picked players, who are above under 23 in the under-25 off-season camp. We will have to call selection committee meeting and see what can be done,” MCA joint-secretary Nitin Dalal said.

The BCCI technical committee headed Anil Kumble went with the National Cricket Academy’s suggestion to restrict the CK Nayudu Trophy to Under-23 players.

“The age-group for the Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy will be changed from under-25 to under-23. The under-23 teams will be called ‘A’ teams, and only three Ranji Trophy cricketers (irrespective of their age) will be permitted in the playing XI,” BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said in press release.