BCCI: U-14 matches to be played on uncovered pitches

Under-14 matches will be played on uncovered pitches this season with the agenda to eventually do the same with Under-16 and Under-19 matches, according to Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Prof Ratnakar Shetty.


Ratnakar Shetty

"As it is, the West Zone Under-14 matches are being played on uncovered wickets. We want to do the same with all Under-14 matches starting from this season. The Technical Committee has made its suggestions on this matter. We want to eventually start using uncovered pitches at the Under-16 and Under-19 levels too.

In Mumbai even today many of the local tournaments are played on uncovered pitches but that's not carried to the higher levels," Shetty told MiD DAY yesterday. Test pitches were left uncovered until 1975, with only bowlers' footholds being covered.

"The reason for doing this is because we want wickets to be fresh and have some dew. That will help young batsmen learnt the art of tackling swing a lot better. They would be better equipped to progress to the senior levels," Shetty told MiD DAY yesterday.

"There's a feeling among Technical Committee members that many of the players are four-over cricketers who are not able to adapt to tough conditions. That's why this move will ensure that they are given the toughest challenge at a young age," he added.