The Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) has decided to change the format of the prestigious Giles Shield (U-14) and Harris Shield (U-16 inter-school tournaments from the forthcoming season. <img title="HS Bhor" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2014/nov/26HS-Bhor-1.jpg" alt="HS Bhor" /> HS Bhor&nbsp;
According to the new format, all the participating teams (120 in Giles and 130 schools in Harris) will be divided into groups of four. These teams will then play 45-over preliminary-round matches in a knockout format till the quarter-final stage.
The top 16 teams at the end of the knockouts will then be divided into four Elite Division groups, where they will play in a league-cum-knockout format.
The quarter-final losers (one from each group) will make the Plate Division semi-finals. "Till last year, we had two separate tournaments in both Harris and Giles &mdash; Elite Division and Plate Division. We noticed that a strong team would often end up making record-breaking scores against weaker opponents. <img title="Pic for representation purpose only" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2014/nov/26Giles-1.jpg" alt="Pic for representation purpose only" /> Pic for representation purpose only&nbsp;
"To ensure a level-playing field, we have decided to experiment with this format," MSSA cricket secretary HS Bhor told mid-day yesterday.
He went onto to explain the format in the later stages. "Once we get the 16 Elite Division teams, the format of the league-cum-knockout will remain the same.
They will play three league rounds and the team with maximum points will play the semi-finals. This format will also enable more boys to showcase their skills and give all players a fair chance."
Like earlier, the Elite Division's league matches will be played over three days with a four-day final, while the semi-finals of the Plate Division of two days each with a three-day final.

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The Mumbai Schools Sports Association has decided to change the format of the prestigious Giles Shield (U-14) and Harris Shield (U-16 inter-school tournaments from the forthcoming season

MSSA decides to change Harris and Giles Shield formats

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MSSA decides to change Harris and Giles Shield formats

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