Duleep TrophyCricket NewsDomestic CricketDomestic MatchesIndian Domestic Cricket
Duleep Trophy Returns to Inter-Zonal Format, Set to Begin in Bengaluru from August 28
Bengaluru to Host the Duleep Trophy 2025 in Knockout Format
The prestigious Duleep Trophy is all set to return to its traditional inter-zonal format after a one-season hiatus, with the upcoming edition scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from August 28 to September 15. This decision follows the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) latest Annual General Meeting (AGM), where reverting to the zonal format was given the green signal.
The tournament will be conducted at the Centre of Excellence grounds in Bengaluru, featuring a total of six zones: South, Central, West, East, North, and North-East. Following a knockout structure, this edition promises intense regional rivalries and high-stakes contests.
Knockout Fixture Details and Structure
Quarterfinal and Semifinal Match-Ups
The tournament will commence with two quarterfinal matches:
-
North Zone vs East Zone
-
Central Zone vs North-East Zone
These encounters are slated to take place from August 28 to 31.
The South Zone and West Zone teams have received direct entries into the semifinals, which are scheduled between September 4 and 7. The tournament will culminate with the grand finale starting on September 11, crowning the best zonal side in Indian domestic cricket.
Explore our detailed archive of Indian domestic cricket history
Format History and Revival
Duleep Trophy Format Evolution Since 2016
From the 2016–17 to 2019–20 seasons, the Duleep Trophy was contested by randomly selected teams named India A, B, C, and D, chosen by national selectors. In 2022–23, the traditional zonal model was briefly revived before it was again replaced by the A-B-C-D format last year.
However, the format has now once again returned to its inter-zonal roots, as per BCCI’s latest resolution. This move has been welcomed by players and cricket enthusiasts alike for its nostalgic value and emphasis on regional pride.
The tournament also saw a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, when several domestic tournaments were paused to ensure player safety and logistical feasibility.
Irani Cup Allotted to Nagpur
Vidarbha to Host Rest of India in Annual Five-Day Clash
In another major development, Nagpur has been selected as the venue for the upcoming Irani Cup, honoring Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy title win. The historic annual match between the Ranji Trophy champions and the Rest of India will now be held in Vidarbha’s home territory.
A burning question ahead of the fixture is the potential participation of Karun Nair, who was instrumental in Vidarbha’s victorious campaign. However, with his recent move back to Karnataka, and the South Zone selectors overlooking him for the Duleep Trophy, it remains to be seen which side he will represent.
For more updates on Indian cricket governance, you can refer to the official BCCI website.
Key Player Movements Ahead of Domestic Season
Rasikh Salam and Jitesh Sharma Move to Baroda
Adding to the list of domestic transfers, Rasikh Salam, a promising 26-year-old pacer, has moved from Jammu & Kashmir to Baroda after securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA). He will be joined by Jitesh Sharma, who shifts from Vidarbha to Baroda as a professional player.
On the women’s cricket front, the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) has made two strong signings:
-
Shikha Pandey
-
Poonam Khemnar
Both players are expected to strengthen Baroda’s senior women’s team in the upcoming domestic season.
The upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025 promises to be a significant event in India’s domestic cricket calendar. With its return to the inter-zonal format, a knockout structure, and participation from all six zones, the tournament is poised to deliver high-quality, competitive cricket. Coupled with exciting fixtures like the Irani Cup in Nagpur, Indian domestic cricket is on a vibrant resurgence, bringing focus back to regional talent and legacy tournaments.
