Cricket’s Oldest Rivalries, Fresh Rules: Inside the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy

The BCCI has just rolled out the schedule for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, and there are a few interesting updates in store for players and fans. The 2025-26 edition will run from October 15, 2025, to February 28, 2026, and the tournament structure is getting a bit of a shake-up.

 

Here’s what’s new and noteworthy:

 

The Ranji Trophy will be played in two phases this time. The first phase runs from mid-October to mid-November, and then after a short break, the action resumes in late January. The knockout rounds will take place in February.

 

In a change from previous years, only one team will move up from the Plate Group to the Elite Group, and just one will drop down. This is a shift from the old system where two teams were promoted and relegated each season.

 

The Duleep Trophy is going back to its zonal roots, with teams from six different regions competing. This year, it kicks off the domestic season at the end of August.

 

The Irani Cup will follow right after the Duleep Trophy, running in early October.

 

Other tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy are also getting some tweaks, including a new Super League stage and changes to the group structure.

 

The BCCI says these changes are designed to make the competition tougher and give up-and-coming players more chances to prove themselves.

 

All in all, it looks like an exciting and busy season ahead for Indian domestic cricket.

 

Source: Cricbuzz, India Today, Free Press Journal, MyKhel, InsideSport