New Delhi, June 9 (IANS): Following up on the recommendations of the Sourav Ganguly-led technical committee, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday announced that the upcoming Duleep Trophy will be a day-night affair, wherein the pink ball will be used for the first time.

The decision was taken after the BCCI's Tour Programme and Fixtures Committee met in Mumbai to announce the domestic and international fixtures for the forthcoming season. 

India's domestic season will kick off in September, starting with the Duleep Trophy, which is expected to be played by most of the top players and the Test hopefuls, considering the upcoming 13 Test matches at home.

The BCCI also said that a total of 918 matches will be played till March 2017 which includes Ranji trophy, Vijay Hazare trophy, Mushtaq Ali trophy, Deodhar trophy, Irani trophy, women's cricket and all other age group cricket. 

The upcoming season will also witness Chhattisgarh making its debut in the Ranji trophy competition.

Welcoming the new side to the Ranji fold, BCCI president Anurag Thakur said he is also excited for the Duleep trophy, where the pink ball will be used for the first time.

"We are equally excited about the domestic season as we will be playing the Duleep trophy with the pink ball under lights and take this opportunity to welcome Chhattisgarh, who will play Ranji trophy for the first time," Thakur said in a statement.

"A combined team of affiliate & associate states will participate in the junior age group tournaments, which will provide the much needed opportunity to the emerging players from these areas. This further reaffirms our commitment to spread the game by providing the appropriate platforms to our next generation cricketers," he added.