2017 wish list: Down with courtroom drama

End of the BCCI-Lodha saga:

The unending courtroom saga, the back and forth arguments, Lodha panel's accusations and recommendations, Supreme Court's pressing questions, Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) steely defiance and the repeated adjournments - it has been a sapping year off the field for Indian cricket. But, cricket is best played only within the confines of a stadium.

The new year should hopefully bring an alternation in the narrative and the curtains down on this episode during the next hearing on January 3. It will go a long way in aiding the betterment of Indian cricket, something that has constantly been questioned all through the legal tussle. Over to you, Supreme Court.

More of Rabadas and Mehedis:

There are fewer delightful narratives in cricket than that of a youngster rising through the ranks, arriving at the highest level and making it his own from the outset. South Africa's Kagiso Rabada went a step ahead and filled Dale Steyn's shoes, rather admirably. The 21-year-old, belonging to South Africa's Under-19 batch of 2014, was the toast of the South African side in Australia, where his pace and ability was translated in big returns, setting him up for a long, successful career. The 1997-born Mehedi Hassan too enjoyed a phenomenal 2016. He became the only player to lead in two successive Under-19 World Cups, and guided his side to the semifinal of the tournament. In the second half of the year, he fit right into the Test arena and made the most of England's struggles against turn, becoming the youngest player to pick up a five-wicket haul on Test debut.

Then there were the likes of Haseeb Hameed and Keaton Jennings, openers who gave a good account of themselves in trying Indian conditions. Alzarri Joseph, the fulcrum of West Indies' Under-19 World Cup victory, also got his chance at the highest level and should look to find the next level. Oodles of talent and potential, across teams, is there to be tapped up in the new year.

Bangladesh's long-format sustenance:

If 2015 was about Bangladesh making forward strides in coloured kits, the year that has gone by could be remembered as one that triggered a Test renaissance in the cricket-mad country. Their 1-1 drawn series against England at home doesn't entirely convey the fact that Bangladesh ran Alastair Cook & Co. mighty close all through the two-Test series, and came within touching distance of a historic series win. That was not to be, but Bangladesh the Test side definitely grew up in 2016. That after not playing a single Test for 14 months prior to their series against England. The rekindling of spirit, after it was thoroughly crushed in the heartbreak at Chittagong, conveyed their gumption for the longest format and their readiness to play the 'bigger' sides more frequently.

But tough assignments await Bangladesh this year. They start off with two games in New Zealand followed by their first ever Test on Indian soil in February. A tour of South Africa in September-October has also been announced, giving them ample opportunity to continue their growth and prove their ability to sustain their success.

More takers for Tests?

The concept of Day-Night Tests has been an exciting addition to spruce up cricket's dwindling fan base, but even that fell flat during the one in Dubai this year. Picture this - a venue that Pakistan have called home for the last few years, on a public holiday (Friday), was largely empty as Azhar Ali scored a triple hundred to mark the occasion of Pakistan's 400th Test. It reflects poorly on the state of affairs if such a performer is left to rue the lack of support on such a momentous occasion. Things are grim in a lot of other, and equally prominent, venues around the world as far as Tests are concerned. The longest-serving format of the sport could do with an upward spike in reception over the next 12 months.

Neutral joy:

Any idea, big or small, needs to find its way past the teething stage, fight its way out of opposition, criticism and reluctance to be a success. Understandably, BCCI's decision to move Ranji Trophy matches to neutral venues was not met with a lot of applause. The angst of loyal Ranji fans was valid, given the raw deal they were being handed, but BCCI's call to look at the bigger picture, perhaps, deserves some time. Their quest to clamp down on unfair home advantage stemmed from results in 2015 that saw quality of games being compromised.

Only handful of spectators have turned up at the venues this season, but if the move can help address the massive gulf in quality between India's domestic and international cricketers over a period of time, BCCI should consider it a success. Is the compromise of fans' interest worth it? It's tough to provide a definitive answer at the moment. When a decision polarises opinion to such a big extent, it is perhaps in the best interest of all and sundry to revisit their judgement after another season of trial.