To create a stir in Indian cricket, BCCI has announced new rules and schedule for its domestic tournaments.
These changes will come into effect from the 2025-26 season and will bring a lot of excitement for cricket fans.
So let’s know what all blasts BCCI has done…
BCCI Announces Domestic Cricket Revolution?
First of all, let’s talk about Ranji Trophy. This tournament will start from 15 October 2025 and will run till 28 February 2026.
It will be played in two parts – the first phase in October-November and the second in January-February.
Knockout matches will be held in February. Now the new twist is that only one team each will be promoted and relegated between the Elite and Plate groups.
Earlier it was two teams each. This rule will also apply in junior tournaments. Meaning, now the competition will be tougher.
What changes happened in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy?
Now let’s talk about Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). This T20 tournament will now have a Super League stage. The top teams of Group A and B will reach the final directly. The weakest 6 teams of last season will play in the Plate Division. This will enable the good teams to play more matches.
SMAT will run from 26 November to 18 December. And yes, now for qualification, not head-to-head record, but Net Run Rate (NRR) will be seen. This rule will be applicable in all white-ball tournaments.
What changed in Duleep Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Senior Women’s Tournaments?
Dulip Trophy will again return to its old regional format and will be held from 28 August to 15 September. Irani Cup will be played from 1 to 5 October.
Apart from this, the white-ball series between India and New Zealand will be held in January 2026, which will include 3 ODIs and 5 T20 matches in cities like Hyderabad, Rajkot, Indore.
A new grouping system will also be introduced in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Senior Women’s tournaments. Now there will be 4 elite groups and 1 plate group.
The weakest teams will automatically go to the plate group. This season will start from 28 August 2025 and will run till 3 April 2026.
