Time to play Ranji KO ties at neutral venues?

Thanks to a mediocre wicket and equally second-rate batting display by Karnataka, their Ranji Trophy semifinal against hosts Baroda will be remembered for being the ninth-shortest Ranji game of all times

Thanks to a mediocre wicket and equally second-rate batting display by Karnataka, their Ranji Trophy semifinal against hosts Baroda will be remembered for being the ninth-shortest Ranji game of all times. Baroda thumped the favourites by seven wickets before tea on the second day to ensure their ninth final appearance in the history of the premier domestic championship. On Day Two, Karnatakau00a0 were bundled out for just 88 runs in their second innings on an under-prepared wicket.

The nature of the track made many wonder if the knockout ties of the Ranji Trophy should be played at neutral venues instead of the existing home and away format. It may be recalled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had introduced the neutral venues for knockout ties in 2007-08.

However, after appearing in front of empty stands in Chennai and Hyderabad in the next year's semi-finals and final, respectively, some players had criticised the policy, which made the BCCI revert to the old home and away format.

Karnataka skipper R Vinay Kumar said: "Rather than playing on such wickets, it's better to play the knockout games at neutral venues."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!