BCCI Announces Domestic Cricket Schedule 2025-26: Big Changes Revealed!

Major Format Overhaul

The BCCI has unveiled the 2025-26 domestic cricket schedule, introducing major changes in tournament structures. The Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will see revamped formats!

Ranji Trophy’s New System

Only 1 team will be relegated from the Elite Group (down from 2).

Two-phase tournament:

Phase 1: Oct 15 – Nov 19 Phase 2: Jan 22 – Feb 1

Other Key Changes

Duleep Trophy (Aug 28 – Sep 15) opens the season. Top teams in Group A & B will clash in the final. Bottom 6 teams to compete in Plate Group.

Syed Mushtaq Ali & Women’s T20 Trophy:

4 Elite Groups + 1 Plate Group format.

Full Schedule Breakdown

Duleep Trophy Final: Bengaluru (Sep 15) Irani Cup: Nagpur (Oct 1-5) Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: League Matches: Lucknow, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata (Nov 26 – Dec 8) Knockouts: Indore (Dec 12-18) Vijay Hazare Trophy: League: Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jaipur, Bengaluru (Dec 24 – Jan 8) Knockouts: Jan 12-18

What’s New for Women & Juniors?

Senior Women’s T20 & Challengers Trophy: Selectors to pick teams. U-16, U-19, U-23: 5 Elite Groups + 1 Plate Group system.

Excited for the Super League addition?

Will this make domestic cricket more competitive?