* CAB to appoint outstation coach for Ranji team

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has decided to obtain the services of an outstation coach for its senior team for the forthcoming domestic season. The decision, taken by the working committee, is aimed at bringing more accountability and professionalism into the approach of Bengal cricketers who have struggled to make a mark at the national level for the past few years.

Though no names have been finalised yet, former Indian all rounders Karsan Ghavri, Madan Lal and Roger Binny were shortlisted for the post, according to CAB sources.

The working committee has decided to retain MP Parmar as the CAB's director of coaching. Vece Paes has been appointed physical trainer to look after the physical conditioning of the senior side. The CAB has decided to shortlist 25 players for the conditioning camp to begin early next month.

* Cuttack venue for East Zone Ranji Trophy one day games

The East Zone Ranji Trophy one day matches will be held at Cuttack. This was decided at a meeting of the East Zone fixtures committee recently.

The following is Bengal's Ranji Trophy schedule for the 2001-02 season: Bengal vs Assam (Nov 30 to Dec 3 at Assam). Bengal vs Tripura (Dec 21 to 24 at Tripura), Bengal vs Bihar (Dec 29 to Jan 1 at Bihar), Bengal vs Orissa (Jan 5 to 8 at Kolkata).

* TNCA plans to set up academy in Chennai

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has plans to establish a cricket academy at Chennai on the lines of the national and regional academies, according to Ashok Kumbat, secretary of the TNCA. The proposal would crystalise before the end of this year or early next year, he added.

Speaking to PTI in Tiruchirappalli on Tuesday, Kumbhat said the TNCA was very keen to promote the sport by imparting right training to budding cricketers, adding the proposed academy would be a permanent coaching centre.

On the funding for the project, he expressed the hope that the TNCA would be able to generate the necessary amount and ruled out sponsorships.

* Bal Mahaddalkar passes away

Mumbai Cricket Association's long serving and tireless administrator Bal Mahaddalkar passed away in Mumbai on Tuesday following a cardiac arrest. He was 62.

Mahaddalkar was associated with Mumbai cricket for nearly three decades and has served as its joint secretary for two terms (eight years) and vice president (from 1998 to 2000). He was the first cricket administrator to be awarded the Maharashtra State's Chatrapathi Shivaji Award in 1993-94. He also served on various committees of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and was once appointed observer for a home series.

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