BCCI revokes ban on Raj Cricket Association; reveals FTP for Team India

MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India, at its special general meeting (SGM) on Monday, took some key decisions including revoking a ban on Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), the new future tour programme (FTP) for the players and hosting of ICC events.

In a reprieve to the RCA, the board revoked the long standing ban on the association, which was first placed on the club in 2014 after the board got into a tussle with Lalit Modi. Due to the ban, Rajasthan did not get any international cricket match since 2013, when India played against Australia.

Amitabh Choudhary, acting secretary of BCCI, told reporters that BCCI general body has agreed to revoke ban with “certain conditions”. He clarified that Lalit Modi should not be indirectly involved in RCA or affiliated bodies.


Reacting to BCCI’s decision, Ruchir Modi, son of Lalit Modi and president of Alwar District Cricket Association, welcomed the revocation of suspension. Modi hoped that with release of withheld funds and grant of international matches and IPL, cricket in Rajasthan will “return to its glory”.

Also, paying heed to Captain Virat Kohli’s complaint about less time to prepare, BCCI has decided to shorten the Indian team's cricketing calendar and lower the workload of players. In the new FTP, between 2019 and 2023, the number of playing days has been reduced to 306, from 390 earlier.

As per the new FTP, Team India will play a total of 158 international matches, which will include 85 matches in India (19 Tests, 38 ODIs and 28 T20s), and 73 overseas (18 Tests, 29 ODIs and 26 T20s).

It was also decided at the SGM that India will host two International Cricket Council (ICC) properties – 2021 Champions Trophy, and 2023 Cricket World Cup.

In the meeting it was further decided that Team India will play almost 50% of its matches against major nations like Australia, England and South Africa.