India, Jan. 26 -- For a long time, Ranji Trophy has shown all the symptoms of the apathy shown to it by the players and the cricket board (BCCI) - empty stands, lack of star players, poor wickets, bad umpiring, and no marketing.

Despite its rich history, the tournament has found itself sinking into a black hole of indifference. Every domestic cricketer wants to play IPL, and if not that, in the state T20 leagues; Ranji has now been reduced as a last recourse for players who have nothing else.

But last week, the tournament launched following a meeting of the Indian board in July 1934, found itself in focus again.

With BCCI making it mandatory for the national stars to turn out for their state teams, the fans and the media were curious t...