Indian domestic season 2024-25 – Ranji Trophy to be divided into two divisions, no zonal teams in Duleep Trophy

The BCCI has announced the splitting of the Ranji Trophy into two divisions for the 2024-25 domestic season. The decision comes following discussions between the four-member panel and senior players and coaches, who have expressed concern over the lack of playing time due to weather disturbances in northern India during the winter season.

Last season, Ranji Trophy was mostly played between January and March, after the completion of Vijay Hazare Trophy (50 overs competition) and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20s).

This time, however, the Ranji Trophy will begin in October, with each team playing five league games within a five-week window before the white-ball tournaments begin.

The last two matches of the group stage will be held soon after the conclusion of the Vijay Hazare Trophy on January 18, followed by the knockout stage of the competition from February 8. The Ranji final will be held from February 26 to March 2.

In an effort to “strengthen the core of domestic cricket while prioritizing the “welfare of the players”, the board has also introduced a day gap between matches, making it four days compared to three, which was the case until the 2023-24 season.

Zonal format has been released for Duleep Trophy

In another important development, the senior men’s season-opening Duleep Trophy, to be played from September 5 in Anantapur, will not be played between different teams. This marks another change in the structure of the competition which has been questioned by many prominent voices in recent times.

In 2022-23, the BCCI had reverted to a regional format with six teams (North, South, East, West, Central and North East) selected by a regional committee headed by a convenor. This action was seen as a way to add context to the competition.

This season, the competition is organized for four groups of teams selected by the national selectors. ESPNcricinfo understands that one of the reasons for the move is to ensure that the selectors are able to give a large pool of players, including those in the target squad, enough opportunities going into the Indian Test season.

India will host Bangladesh and New Zealand in Test series at home before traveling to Australia between November and January for a five-Test series, all part of the 2023-25 ​​World Test Championship cycle. The Test season is likely to be preceded by two tours, one at home and one in Australia.

There is no miss in the CK Nayudu Trophy

In an effort to increase competition and prevent athletes from tailoring tracks that suit their strengths, the Under-23 CK Nayudu Trophy, which is considered as a feeder tournament for top provincial teams, will no longer include toasts. The visiting team will be allowed to elect to bat or toss first.

The BCCI has also introduced an “enhanced points system” aimed at promoting balanced performance. This includes the display of batting scores and bowling ability in the first innings, as well as scores for gaining a first innings lead or winning an outright victory.”

More to follow…