The decision was taken after Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai met with representatives of Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. However, they were assured that by next season they would be part of Ranji Trophy while they will play as separate states in the age group categories (U-16, U-19 And U-23) from this season onwards. "The COA chief Mr Vinod Rai told us that since Ranji Trophy is starting from October 6, it will be difficult to play this season. "They will be eligible to play Ranji Trophy once Supreme Court decides on their full membership status," Rai told reporters after the COA meeting. While Assam and Tripura continue to play in East Zone, a dedicated North East Zone will be created.

Source: dna September 08, 2017 12:57 UTC