Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Para comenzar a partir del 15 de octubre, BCCI se convierte en formato zonal para el Trofeo Duleeef

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to revert to the original format of the Duleep Trophy. Since the tournament’s inception in 1961 and barring the 2016-2019 period, the Duleep Trophy has been scheduled in a zonal format. Last year, the six original zonal teams were changed to four teams (India A, B, C, and D). But the BCCI has had a change of heart.

Duleep Trophy reverts to old format

According to the Times of India, the zonal teams (North, East, North East, Central, West, and South) will be back. This means that more domestic performers will get a chance. And the number of Test cricketers who can participate can be increased as well. KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant were some of the big names who played in the Duleep Trophy last year.

Ranji Trophy 2025-26 start date

We also have a start date for the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season. Last year, the premier domestic red-ball tournament began on October 11; this time it’s October 15. Just like in 2024, the Ranji Trophy will be in two legs. The first will run from October 15 to November 19, as 5 matches will be played.

Then we’ll have the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) in December and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) in January. Then, like last year, the Ranji Trophy will restart at the end of January. The dates for the remaining 2 group stage matches to be played and then knockout games to follow will be January 22 to February 26.