New Delhi, Nov. 14 -- With the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) beginning on Friday and the IPL auction scheduled for December 16, India's top domestic T20 tournament assumes added significance. Running until December 6, SMAT will leave franchises with just 10 days to reassess their domestic talent pool, track emerging performers and make last-minute calls ahead of the auction. For several uncapped Indian cricketers and unheralded talents, it could be their final opportunity to make a strong case for an IPL contract. Over the years, the scouting and franchise cricket landscape has evolved. While SMAT remains an important platform for players to showcase their credentials in the shortest format, it is no longer the only one offering franchises...