Ranji Trophy 2025-26 to start from October 15, BCCI is distinguished for zonal format for the Dilip Trophy

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).

Duleep Trophy reverts to old format

But the BCCI has had a change of heart. 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. The move was confirmed in March after an BCCI Apex Council meeting, and it’ll be enacted now.

We don’t have the starting dates for the tournament yet, but last year it was played in September. We can expect something similar this time around as well.

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. According to Nitin Srivastav, this time it’s October 15. Just like in 2024, the Ranji Trophy will be in two legs/phases. 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.