During his playing days, Sunil Gavaskar never let go an opportunity of playing in the Buchi Babu all India invitation tournament. He reckoned that playing in the competition, traditionally held during August- September would help him hone his skills for the sterner tests later in the season. Many leading cricketers followed his example with the result that the popular annual competition, conducted by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, grew in stature with leading teams taking part.

Ever since the conversion from a purely local event to an invitation competition in 1967-68, the Buchi Babu tournament has grown bigger and better, attracting top teams from all over the country. Proof of this is also seen in the entry list for the millennium edition which commences in Chennai from August 16. >From ten teams last year, the number has increased to 14 this year. What's more, the tournament gets an international flavour with the participation of the New Zealand Cricket Academy.

The lads from the academy arrived in the city on Monday to acclimatise themselves with the wicket and weather conditions. They are accompanied by their administrative manager, former world record holder Richard Hadlee while elder brother Dayle Hadlee, a former Test player, is the coach. Besides a host of talented youngsters, the side also includes a couple of players who have represented New Zealand in international cricket.

Briefing reporters on Monday, S Ganesan, vice president, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association said the MRF had agreed to sponsor the tournament to the extent of Rs five lakhs. This included the prize money for the winners (Rs 50,000) and the runners-up (Rs 30,000). The prize money shows a substantial increase from last year's figures of Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000.

Holders Karnataka CA and last year's runners-up Hyderabad CA have drawn byes to the quarterfinals. Matches would be played on five grounds - Guru Nanak college, CPT-IP, IIT-Chemplast, AC Tech and MAC stadium. The other eleven participating teams are Air India, Indian Airlines, MAC-TNCA, Kerala, Jolly Rovers, MRF, Associate Banks, TNCA President's XI, National Cricket Academy, ONGC and Districts. The NCA, which lost badly in the first round of the KSCA tournament earlier this month, will be keen to make amends. They take on Air India from August 16 to 18 while the other opening round game on the same dates is Districts vs New Zealand Academy. The other four first round fixtures are: Indian Airlines vs MAC-TNCA, Kerala vs Jolly Rovers, MRF vs Associate Banks and TNCA President's XI vs ONGC. The teams taking part in the tournament for the first time are NCA, New Zealand Academy, Associate Banks and Air India.

Speaking about the format of the tournament, former Test cricketer and current national selector TA Sekhar said that there would be 6-1/2 hours play each day and a minimum of 95 overs would have to be bowled. He said former India player WV Raman was instrumental in framing the rules which would ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament even if rain is a hindrance.

The quarterfinals are slated to be played from August 24 to 26, the semifinals from August 28 to 30 while the final is scheduled to be held from September 1 to 3.

© CricInfo