Mumbai: With someone of the stature of VVS Laxman saying that Bengal cricket has a lot of potential and will be a transformed side next season, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) too is leaving no stone unturned to improve on the performances in the coming season.
According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) technical committee, Ranji Trophy matches this season will be played in neutral venues and that is why CAB has planned to send its team to different destinations to get acclimatised with the conditions. This will help them play in any venue when the tournament starts later this year.
It is learnt from people in the know that CAB secretary Abhishek Dalmiya has already spoken to BCCI president Anurag Thakur and discussed the idea of playing few matches in Dharmasala, Himachal Predesh. Thakur also happens to be the president of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA). CAB’s plan is to play few limited overs matches and at least two four-day fixtures against the Himachal side.
However, plans have also been made to send the team to Sri Lanka as preparation for the long-drawn domestic season ahead. Manoj Tiwary and Co are expected to play few matches in Colombo and other parts of the country before taking part in an invitational tournament organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) in Bangalore.
The preparation plans have not been laid out only for the seniors, but for the U-19 and U-23 sides as well.
However, CAB had also organised special camps under the watchful eyes of the game in recent times. VVS Laxman has been made the batting consultant for CAB’s “Vision 2020” project while Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan has been donning the role spin bowling coach for the squad members.
Laxman, after having guided the boys for a week, has left for his home town only a couple of days ago while Muralitharan is still polishing the spinners at a camp organised by CAB.