Bhubaneswar: Even though most of the captains and coaches of state units expressed support for Ranji Trophy games on a home and away basis in place of the neutral venues introduced last season, Orissa skipper Govind Poddar is in favour of the latter format. He is of the opinion that the neutral venues format should be pursued as it prevents home sides from taking undue advantage and provides both team with equal opportunities.
Govind, however, was not able to attend the meeting at Mumbai as he was away on family vacation. In his place, Dhiraj Singh and Subhasis Bhuyan represented Orissa in the BCCI conclave on domestic cricket. There was no explanation from the OCA as to why the coach of the side, Debasis Mohanty was not sent for the meeting.
“I had given my feedback regarding neutral venues last season itself. I am all in support for neutral venues. I want to reiterate once more that it’s a great challenge to play on neutral grounds,” Govind said Friday. “Both sides get to see the pitch and assess the conditions only a couple of days before the game. Hence it provides both the sides with an equal opportunity. The charm is completely different and certainly it motivates a competitive cricketer,” Govind added.
When pointed out that, captains have complained about the absence of crowds at neutral venues, Govind shot back, “Does it mean that we have a full house when we play home matches in the Ranji Trophy. These are minor issues and we have to take these things into stride for the betterment of the game in the country. I personally believe that playing at neutral venues has helped me develop as a cricketer.”
He added: “In some of the venues like Hyderabad, Delhi and Vishakhapatnam we got good support from the Oriyas living there.”
Govind was quick to point out that while playing at neutral venues none of the sides get chances to create a pitch that will help them. “The utility is that you have a system of fair play in place. It is because of this we managed to enter the quarterfinals after a long gap of 15 years,” Govind pointed out.
“The BCCI should ponder how they could manage venues, which will be neutral and at the same time will attract audience. Then it can definitely be a long-term solution,” he signed off.
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