BCCI Unveils Comprehensive Schedule for the 2025-26 Domestic Cricket Season
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the detailed domestic cricket schedule for the 2025-26 season, featuring significant updates to tournament formats and group structures. Kicking off with the Duleep Trophy on August 28, 2025, the season is set to conclude on April 3, 2026, with the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Multi-Day Trophy. Notably, the BCCI has reinstated zonal selections for key tournaments, aiming to enhance competitiveness across various levels of cricket in the country.
Revamped Tournament Structures
The BCCI’s new schedule introduces engaging changes, particularly with the revival of zonal selections for the Duleep Trophy and the Senior Women’s Challenger Trophy. Unlike previous formats where teams were selected by national selectors, six zonal teams will now compete, fostering local talent and rivalries. This change is expected to increase the competitive spirit throughout the tournament. Additionally, the bottom six teams from each category will participate in a Plate Group, ensuring that all teams have a fighting chance to showcase their skills.
Moreover, the promotion and relegation system has been refined, with only one team ascending or descending between the Elite and Plate groups each season. This adjustment is aimed at maintaining a balance in competition while providing teams the opportunity for progression. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy will transition to a Super League stage, replacing the traditional knockout structure. This new format aims to create more thrilling matches and better engagement for fans.
Key Dates and Locations
The Duleep Trophy is scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 15, with the final set to be hosted at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Following this, the Irani Cup will occur in Nagpur from October 1 to 5. The Ranji Trophy will be conducted in two distinct phases — the first segment running from October 15 to November 19, and the second from January 22 to February 1. These dates signal a busy and exciting season ahead for domestic cricket.
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will kick off its league matches on November 26 and conclude on December 8, with games played in prominent cities such as Lucknow, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. The knockout stage will follow in Indore from December 12 to 18. Meanwhile, the Vijay Hazare Trophy league matches are set from December 24 to January 8, taking place in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jaipur, and Bangalore, with knockout matches scheduled for January 12 to 18 at the Centre of Excellence.
Team Groupings and Competition Goals
The BCCI has finalized the group placements for all major tournaments. Notable teams such as Vidarbha, Tamil Nadu, Mumbai, Karnataka, and Delhi will compete in the Elite categories for key competitions, including the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Conversely, teams like Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh will be positioned in the Plate Group, highlighting the diversity and breadth of talent across Indian cricket.
These changes reflect the BCCI’s commitment to elevating the standard of domestic cricket and ensuring a balanced opportunity for teams at all levels. By implementing these new formats and structures, the board aims to enhance the competitive landscape, making the upcoming season more thrilling for players and fans alike. The adjustments are expected to foster greater participation and improve the overall quality of cricket in the nation.
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