Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly set the record straight on the National Cricket Academy (NCA), asserting that all senior players must go through the process put in place at the NCA for post-injury rehabilitation. He also defended the idea of a four-nation Super Series involving Australia, England and one more nation, saying it makes for quality cricket in what could be a niche tournament for the future.
In a chat with Hindustan Times, Ganguly spoke on the proposed four-nation Super Series, revamping the National Cricket Academy, why he gives a thumbs up to the “Yo-Yo test” and how he plans to bring the crowds back to Test matches.
There is some apprehension among India bowlers about using National Cricket Academy (NCA) facilities. Could you shed some light?
I met Rahul Dravid yesterday, and we have put a system in place. The bowlers will have to go to the NCA. If anybody (else) has to treat them, they will have to come to NCA.
Do players have issues with the NCA training personnel or facilities?
Whatever may be the reason, we will accommodate everything. We will also make sure the players are comfortable and they don’t feel left out or out of place. So, we will do it that way.
A lot needs to be done at the NCA. How do you plan to go about it?
We are going full throttle with the NCA. Construction work will start (at the new land) and it will be a state-of-the-art unit. In 18 months time, if we are still there, you will see an NCA that will be spick and span.
The idea of a four-nation, limited-overs Super Series—involving India, Australia, England and another nation—how far do you plan to go to make it a reality?
It’s a proposal. Let’s see where it goes. The reason behind it is only to have a good, competitive tournament. So, that’s where it stands. We will have to get clearances from the broadcasters and ICC for a four-nation tournament. Then, there are the Future Tours Programme (FTP) areas to look at, as to where do we fit it within the FTP. But it’s just a way to create a niche tournament. We are looking for quality cricket. What we see today, is only bilaterals happening. People want to see a high class tournament and we are attempting to do it. Look at the crowds in the Boxing Day Test between Australia and New Zealand. So, that’s also one of the reasons. Pink Ball Test was one such effort to generate crowd interest.
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