For decades, the Ranji Trophy and the Duleep Trophy have been cornerstones of Indian domestic cricket, maintaining a stable and enduring structure. However, recent changes implemented by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have introduced significant modifications.
The BCCI announced a restructuring of the Ranji Trophy for the 2024-25 season, splitting it into two segments. This decision emerged from discussions involving a working committee, which included Rahul Dravid (Indian head coach), VVS Laxman (NCA chief), Ajit Agarkar (senior men’s selection chairman), and Abey Kuruvilla (BCCI general manager for domestic cricket), along with senior players and coaches.
Concerns were raised about limited match time due to weather disruptions in northern India during winter. Previously, the Ranji Trophy was held from January 5 to March 14, following the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (a 20-over tournament) and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (a 50-over tournament). The new format will have teams playing five league matches over five weeks before the white-ball tournaments begin.
The final two group-stage matches will occur after the Vijay Hazare Trophy ends on January 18, with the knockout stage starting on February 8. Prominent voices like Shardul Thakur and Rahul Dravid highlighted the need for longer intervals between matches, emphasizing the importance of considering player feedback when scheduling domestic games due to the heavy match load.
Responding to these concerns, the BCCI extended the interval between matches from three days to four, aiming to bolster domestic cricket while prioritizing player welfare. The Duleep Trophy, commencing on September 5 in Anantapur, also sees a significant change. Departing from the zonal team format, which had been reinstated since the 2022/23 season, this year’s tournament will feature four teams selected by national selectors.
The shift from the traditional zonal structure (comprising North, South, East, West, Central, and North East teams) aims to allow selectors to assess a wider array of players, especially those in a focused demographic, to prepare them better for India’s Test season. This streamlined approach is intended to provide greater opportunities and a more comprehensive evaluation of talent ahead of crucial fixtures.
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