Bihar's recent world-record score of 574 runs in a List A match against Arunachal Pradesh has ignited debate about the

competitive disparities within Indian domestic cricket. While the achievement itself is noteworthy, the context in which

it occurred raises questions about the effectiveness of the current structure in fostering balanced competition.

The match saw centuries from Vaibhav Suryavanshi (190), Sakibul Gani (137), and Ayush Loharuka (107), propelling Bihar

to the highest-ever total in List A cricket. The team collectively hit 87 boundaries, showcasing their dominance over

the Arunachal Pradesh bowling attack. Suryavanshi, at 14 years and 272 days, became the youngest player to score a List

A century, while Gani broke the record for the fastest century by an Indian batter in the format, reaching the milestone

in just 32 balls.

However, the lopsided nature of the contest has drawn criticism. Arunachal Pradesh, a relatively new team in the BCCI

setup, has consistently struggled against more established sides. This match is not an isolated incident; Arunachal

Pradesh has conceded over 500 runs twice in List A cricket and holds the record for the largest defeat by an Indian

First-Class team. These repeated heavy losses highlight the significant gap in skill and experience between Arunachal

Pradesh and other teams in the domestic circuit.

Cricket analyst R Ashwin has voiced concerns about the impact of such uneven matches on the confidence and development

of weaker teams. He questioned the value of these contests in promoting the growth of cricket in regions like Arunachal

Pradesh. The current structure, with its expanded 38-team system, may inadvertently lead to more frequent occurrences of

these one-sided encounters, potentially hindering the progress of emerging teams.

The issue extends beyond List A cricket, with similar imbalances observed in Ranji Trophy and T20 formats. The record

books are being rewritten, but often in circumstances that reflect a lack of competitive parity rather than exceptional

individual or team performance against strong opposition. The challenge lies in creating a system that provides

opportunities for growth for all teams while maintaining a level of competition that is both fair and developmental.