Cooch Behar Trophy
The Cooch Behar Trophy remains one of India’s most respected Under-19 red-ball tournaments, a stage where young talent learns the rhythms of long-format cricket and prepares for the transition toward professional cricket. Named after the former princely state of Cooch Behar, the competition has long been a trusted pathway for future India U19 prospects, with its Elite and Plate divisions giving players from different regions a chance to showcase their skills.
The latest 2025-2026 edition, played from November 16, 2025 to January 19, 2026, delivered the kind of competitive youth cricket fans expect from this historic tournament. In the Elite final at Sardar Patel Stadium, Valsad, Madhya Pradesh defeated Gujarat by 6 wickets to claim the championship, showcasing disciplined batting and composed performance under pressure. Their title run highlighted the quality of young players competing at the highest domestic Under-19 level. In the Plate division, played until December 26, 2025, Manipur emerged as champions, continuing their progress with a strong all-round campaign. The Plate section once again proved its value by providing a platform for emerging teams to develop within India’s junior cricket structure.
Introduction
The Cooch Behar Trophy stands as one of Indian cricket’s most enduring youth pathways, tracing its origins to 1945-46 when the royal family of Cooch Behar donated the trophy to encourage structured schoolboy cricket across the country. What began as a schools competition gradually evolved into a national under-19 tournament in 1987-88, reflecting the BCCI’s push to formalize talent development during a period when India’s cricketing ecosystem was expanding rapidly. Its four-day match format has always been central to its identity, giving young players early exposure to the rhythms and demands of long-form cricket. Over the decades, the tournament has mirrored broader shifts in Indian cricket, from princely patronage in the mid-20th century to the modern era of organized youth structures.
The competition’s structure has remained consistent: state teams (barring Railways and Services) are grouped for a round-robin league stage, followed by knockouts that often hinge on first-innings leads in drawn matches. This format has produced some of the most memorable performances in junior cricket, including Sachin Tendulkar’s 214 for Mumbai Under-19s in 1988-89 and Yuvraj Singh’s 358 in the 1999-2000 final. The tournament’s legacy is deeply woven into India’s cricketing fabric: generations of players have used it as a springboard to higher levels, and its role in shaping temperament, technique, and match awareness remains widely respected even as the domestic landscape has diversified.
For readers who prefer a richer cultural lens and more context around how the tournament’s history intersects with India’s cricketing evolution, IndiaBetMaster.com also offers a detailed version of this section in Hindi (कूच बिहार ट्रॉफी हिंदी समीक्षा), giving you an additional perspective on the event’s heritage and its place in the country’s sporting journey. This bilingual approach helps readers connect with the tournament’s roots while exploring the same information in a language that feels more intuitive.
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Current Season
The 2026-2027 Cooch Behar Trophy is set to begin on November 26, 2026 and run until January 30, 2027, continuing its role as India’s premier under-19 red-ball competition. The BCCI has retained the two-tier Elite and Plate structure that was introduced earlier in the decade, and the Elite league remains the centrepiece of the tournament. The season follows the same broad calendar as other youth red-ball events, giving teams a full window of multi-day cricket before the national under-19 selection cycle intensifies. The knockout phase of the Elite division will once again be staged in Karnataka, with Bengaluru and Mysore confirmed as hosts for the playoffs and the final, ensuring consistent pitch quality and reliable logistics for the most crucial matches.
One of the notable continuities this season is the home-and-away format for the league stage, which has become a key part of the competition’s identity. It exposes young players to varied conditions across India, from seaming northern tracks to slower surfaces in the east and coastal belts. The BCCI’s venue list for 2026-2027 confirms a wide spread of grounds across the country, maintaining the same philosophy of giving state units meaningful hosting responsibility. The Elite playoffs shifting to Bengaluru and Mysore provides a stable, high-performance environment, something coaches and scouts value when assessing players for the next level.
The Plate division will also run during the same November-to-end December window, featuring teams outside the Elite pool. While the Plate league does not receive the same spotlight, it remains an important platform for emerging cricket regions. Promotion and relegation continue to be performance-based, and the structure has been widely appreciated for creating competitive incentives without overcomplicating the pathway.
Crowd expectations for the new season remain modest but enthusiastic, consistent with youth red-ball cricket in India. In previous editions, local attendance at league-stage venues typically varied depending on the region and the popularity of the teams involved. Bengaluru and Mysore, known for knowledgeable cricket crowds, are expected to draw stronger turnouts for the Elite knockouts, especially if traditional powerhouses reach the final stages. These venues also provide a familiar setting for fans and analysts following match conditions, as the grounds have established reputations in Indian domestic cricket.
In recent years, youth tournaments have seen increased visibility through official highlights, scorecards, and selective live streams. This trend has helped fans and analysts follow emerging talent more closely, while also improving access to coverage of domestic cricket. Financial awards are typically modest, but the real value lies in exposure and long-term development.
The cultural significance of the Cooch Behar Trophy remains strong. It is one of the few tournaments where young cricketers get extended time in the middle, learning to build innings and bowl long spells under pressure. The 2026-2027 edition arrives at a moment when India’s junior cricket pipeline is deeper than ever, and state associations have continued to invest in training infrastructure. With the Elite playoffs returning to Karnataka’s well-run venues and the league phase spread across the country, the tournament promises a competitive, high-quality season that will shape the next wave of under-19 talent. For fans and scouts, the upcoming edition offers a compelling mix of tradition, opportunity, and high-stakes youth cricket.
Ongoing September 2026 Events
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ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Test | June 17, 2025 – June 13, 2027 | LIVE |
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ICC Women's Championship ODI | February 20, 2026 – April 15, 2029 | LIVE |
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County Championship FC | April 3, 2026 – September 27, 2026 | LIVE |
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Women's One-Day Cup List A | April 11, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
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One-Day Cup List A | July 21, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
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Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 | August 7, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
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England vs Pakistan Test | August 19, 2026 – September 13, 2026 | LIVE |
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Duleep Trophy FC | August 23, 2026 – September 10, 2026 | |
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European T20 Premier League (ETPL) T20 | August 26, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
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Women's Asia Cup T20I | August 28, 2026 – September 13, 2026 | LIVE |
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Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) T20 | September 5–17, 2026 | LIVE |
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Minor League Cricket (MiLC) T20 | September 17, 2026 – October 25, 2026 | |
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Cricket at the Asian Games T20I | September 17, 2026 – October 3, 2026 | |
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South Africa vs Australia Tour | September 24, 2026 – October 31, 2026 |
Ongoing September 2026 Events
|
ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Test | June 17, 2025 – June 13, 2027 | LIVE |
|
ICC Women's Championship ODI | February 20, 2026 – April 15, 2029 | LIVE |
|
County Championship FC | April 3, 2026 – September 27, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Women's One-Day Cup List A | April 11, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
|
One-Day Cup List A | July 21, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 | August 7, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
|
England vs Pakistan Test | August 19, 2026 – September 13, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Duleep Trophy FC | August 23, 2026 – September 10, 2026 | |
|
European T20 Premier League (ETPL) T20 | August 26, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Women's Asia Cup T20I | August 28, 2026 – September 13, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) T20 | September 5–17, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Minor League Cricket (MiLC) T20 | September 17, 2026 – October 25, 2026 | |
|
Cricket at the Asian Games T20I | September 17, 2026 – October 3, 2026 | |
|
South Africa vs Australia Tour | September 24, 2026 – October 31, 2026 |
Previous Seasons
Past Cooch Behar Trophy Editions
- 2025-2026 Season
The 2025-2026 Cooch Behar Trophy ran from mid November 2025 to 19 January 2026 and delivered one of the most competitive seasons in recent years. The Elite division concluded at Sardar Patel Stadium in Valsad, where Madhya Pradesh defeated Gujarat by 6 wickets in a result shaped by disciplined bowling and a composed fourth innings chase. The multi-tier structure remained unchanged, with five Elite groups feeding into pre quarterfinals, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. Gujarat advanced through the knockouts on first innings leads, while Madhya Pradesh arrived in the title match after an impressive innings win in the quarterfinals and a gritty semifinal draw where they held the advantage. The Plate final in Sovima saw Manipur crowned champions after a 7 wicket win against Nagaland, completing a strong campaign built on consistent bowling. These outcomes highlighted the importance of tactical decisions, first innings performances, and team balance throughout the knockout stage.
The season followed the familiar four-day youth first class format, with more than thirty teams competing across Elite and Plate levels. Weather interruptions influenced a few league games, but the knockout venues offered stable conditions that allowed the top teams to showcase their depth. With clear pathways to the national under 19 setup and strong digital coverage through official scorecards and match clips, the 2025-2026 edition reinforced the tournament’s importance in India’s junior cricket ecosystem while giving fans and analysts a closer look at emerging talent.
- 2024-2025 Season
At the end of the 2024-2025 Cooch Behar Trophy, Tamil Nadu won the title after a tight final in Ahmedabad against Gujarat. The game finished in a tie, but Tamil Nadu won because they had a 53-run lead in the first innings and scored 413 runs while Gujarat only scored 380. TN's response was held together by fifty scores from B.K. Kishore, R.S. Ambrish, and R.K. Jayant. Gujarat's Maulyarajsinh Chavda's 161 was the high point of a losing effort. This was Tamil Nadu's first win in a few years. They beat Karnataka, who had been the winners in 2023-2024, and the result marked a significant achievement in Tamil Nadu's youth cricket history. Some memorable moments were bowling with control under pressure and managing key phases of the match effectively. Aside from Chavda's century, the final was mainly defined by disciplined team performances rather than individual milestones.
The setup was the same as the multi-day version, with more than 30 teams split into five Elite groups (A-E) and a Plate group. Each group played three rounds of matches before the knockouts. The Elite had six teams in each group, and the best teams went to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final. Some games were stopped because of bad weather, which led to draws where first innings leads became important. There were no major structural changes, and the playoff system continued to highlight tactical depth and consistency across the tournament. As teams competed to progress through their groups while dealing with challenging conditions, this format added another layer of competition to the Cooch Behar Trophy.
Broader effects included increased media coverage through platforms such as Sportstar and BCCI digital channels, helping more fans follow the development of India's emerging cricketers. Finals continued to attract attention from supporters and local cricket communities, creating greater visibility for junior domestic cricket. The season also contributed to the wider talent pathway, with standout performers earning opportunities in the India U-19 setup and other representative squads. Overall, the edition strengthened the reputation of the Cooch Behar Trophy as an important platform for identifying and developing future cricket talent.
- Earlier Seasons
The previous season of the Cooch Behar Trophy 2023-2024 was played from 17 November 2023 to 12 January 2024. Teams competed through the tournament stages, with Mumbai, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh progressing to the semi-finals. After a series of closely contested knockout matches, the Cooch Behar Trophy 2023-2024 reached its conclusion with Karnataka emerging as the champions.
In the first semi-final held on January 5, 2024, at the KSCA Stadium in Belgaum, Karnataka faced Tamil Nadu. Karnataka posted a formidable total of 418 runs in their first innings, spanning 129.3 overs. In response, Tamil Nadu could only manage 126 runs in their first innings, using up 54.5 overs. Karnataka, enforcing the follow-on, saw Tamil Nadu put up a stronger fight in their second innings, scoring 302 runs in 70.5 overs. However, Karnataka required just 13 runs to win, which they achieved while losing one wicket in 1.1 overs. This dominant performance allowed Karnataka to win by 9 wickets and secure a place in the final.
The second semi-final, also held on January 5, 2024, took place at the Sachin Tendulkar Gymkhana in Kandivli, Mumbai, where Mumbai played against Uttar Pradesh. Mumbai batted first and scored 307 runs in their first innings over 75.4 overs. Uttar Pradesh responded with a total of 250 runs in their first innings over 80.1 overs. In their second innings, Mumbai managed to reach 133 runs for the loss of one wicket in 21.3 overs, setting a challenging target for Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh, however, faltered in their second innings, scoring only 187 runs in 53.4 overs. This allowed Mumbai to secure a 9-wicket victory and advance to the final.
The final match of the Cooch Behar Trophy 2023-2024 took place on January 12, 2024, at the KSCA Navule Stadium in Shimoga, featuring Karnataka against Mumbai. Karnataka displayed their batting strength by declaring their first innings at a massive total of 890 runs for the loss of 8 wickets, accumulated over 223 overs. Mumbai, in reply, could only manage 380 runs in their first innings over 113.5 overs. With a significant first-innings lead, Karnataka took control of the match. The game ended in a draw, but Karnataka were awarded the title due to their first-innings lead. Haryana had won the previous 2022-2023 season of the Cooch Behar Trophy.
| Season | Champion | Runner-up | Final Result | Event / Final Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | Madhya Pradesh | Gujarat | Madhya Pradesh Won by 6 Wickets | Sardar Patel Stadium, Valsad |
| 2024-2025 | Tamil Nadu | Gujarat | Match Drawn; Tamil Nadu took first innings lead | Narendra Modi Stadium Ground 'A', Motera, Ahmedabad |
| 2023-2024 | Karnataka | Mumbai | Match Drawn; Karnataka took first innings lead | KSCA Navule Stadium, Shimoga |
| 2022-2023 | Tamil Nadu | Vidarbha | Vidarbha Won by 8 Wickets | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur |
| 2021-2022 | Haryana | Mumbai | Match Drawn; Haryana took first innings lead | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| 2019-2020 | Baroda | Vidarbha | Baroda Won by 3 Wickets | VCA Stadium, Civil Lines, Nagpur |
| 2018-2019 | Uttar Pradesh | Vidarbha | Match Drawn; Uttar Pradesh took first innings lead | VCA Stadium, Civil Lines, Nagpur |
| 2017-2018 | Vidarbha | Madhya Pradesh | Match Drawn; Vidarbha took first innings lead | VCA Stadium, Civil Lines, Nagpur |
| 2016-2017 | Bengal | Delhi | Match Drawn; Bengal took first innings lead | Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi |
| 2015-2016 | Uttar Pradesh | Mumbai | Uttar Pradesh Won by 3 Wickets | Sachin Tendulkar Gymkhana, Kandivili, Mumbai |
| 2014-2015 | Mumbai | Punjab | Match Drawn; Mumbai took 1st innings lead | IS Bindra Cricket Stadium, PCA, Mohali |
| 2013-2014 | Uttar Pradesh | Baroda | Match Drawn; Uttar Pradesh took first innings lead | Kamla Club Sports Ground, Kanpur |
| 2012-2013 | Mumbai | Maharashtra | Match Drawn; Mumbai took first innings lead | Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, Gahunje |
| 2011-2012 | Mumbai | Maharashtra | Mumbai Won by 23 Runs | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| 2010-2011 | Punjab | Gujarat | Punjab Won by 142 Runs | Sardar Patel Stadium, Valsad |
| 2009-2010 | Delhi | Punjab | Match Drawn; Delhi took first innings lead | St Stephen's College Ground, New Delhi |
| 2008-2009 | Mumbai | Punjab | Mumbai Won by 251 Runs | Ukku Stadium, Visakhapatnam |
| 2007-2008 | Punjab | Baroda | Match Drawn; Punjab took first innings lead | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal |
| 2006-2007 | Mumbai | Tamil Nadu | Match Drawn; Mumbai took first innings lead | Barabati Stadium, Cuttack |
| 2005-2006 | Himachal Pradesh | Gujarat | Match Drawn; Himachal Pradesh took first innings lead | Sardar Patel Stadium, Valsad |
| 2004-2005 | Uttar Pradesh | Delhi | Match Drawn; Delhi took first innings lead | Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Ground, Rajkot |
| 2003-2004 | Delhi | Uttar Pradesh | Match Drawn; Delhi took first innings lead | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| 2002-2003 | Haryana | Uttar Pradesh | Match Drawn; Haryana took first innings lead | Harbax Singh Stadium, New Delhi |
| 2001-2002 | Mumbai | Gujarat | Match Drawn; Mumbai took first innings lead | Maharani Usharaje Trust Cricket Ground, Indore |
| 2000-2001 | Haryana | Madhya Pradesh | Match Drawn; Haryana took first innings lead | Deccan Gymkhana Ground, Pune |
* 2020-2021 season was canceled due to COVID-19
** Earlier editions (1945-2000) are partially documented
History and Structure
The Maharaja of Cooch Behar's family gave the trophy, which bears their name. The Cooch Behar Trophy was an interschool tournament that ran from 1945-1946 until 1986-1987. In 1987-1988 it was renamed as an under-19 competition.
A large number of Test players were involved in the Cooch Behar Trophy in its early years. Rusi Surti and Budhi Kunderan scored centuries as North Zone Schools prevailed in the 1954-1955 final. From 1960-1961 to 1962-1963, Ashok Mankad played for West Zone Schools in the final match three times in a row. In the 1967-1968 semi-final, the top bowlers on the opposing teams were Karsan Ghavri and Mohinder Amarnath. In 1988-1989, Sachin Tendulkar made 214 runs for the Bombay Under-19 team. Less than a year later, he played his first Test match.
Yuvraj Singh scored 358 out of 839 for Punjab Under-19s in the 1999-2000 final. Yuvraj claimed that the Cooch Behar Trophy was formerly one of the most important platforms for young cricketers, but that its profile has changed over time with the growth of newer pathways in Indian cricket.
In the final versus Mumbai in January 2024, Karnataka's Prakhar Chaturvedi scored 404 runs without giving up, breaking Yuvraj Singh's record. Karnataka won their first Cooch Behar Trophy after winning by 510 runs in the first innings. The match versus Assam in December 2011 saw Maharashtra's Vijay Zol hit 451 not out, which stands as the tournament's top score.
Numerous Indian cricketers who later went on to represent their country have benefited greatly from the Cooch Behar Trophy. The competition helps these young players make a seamless transition into higher levels of the game by exposing them to competitive cricket and high-pressure circumstances at a young age. The Cooch Behar Trophy is where several well-known Indian cricketers, like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar, have developed their skills.
The BCCI has launched several efforts in recent years to raise the tournament's quality and level of competition. These include the introduction of innovative coaching methods, improved training facilities, and a greater emphasis on fitness. A crucial showcase for youthful talent, the tournament also sees scouting activity from state teams and talent identification programs.
Final Thoughts
One of the foundations of Indian domestic cricket is the Cooch Behar Trophy, which is especially important for developing young players. The multi-day format of the event gives emerging cricketers the experience they need to improve abilities like endurance, strategic thinking, and handling pressure, which are essential for progressing to higher levels. For players hoping to advance to first-class cricket and eventually the international arena, this exposure is highly valuable.
The Cooch Behar Trophy has produced several memorable performances and played an important role in the journeys of many Indian cricketers. Legends of cricket like Yuvraj Singh and Sachin Tendulkar are among the notable alumni associated with the tournament, highlighting its long-standing contribution to Indian cricket. This tradition has continued in recent seasons, with emerging players like Prakhar Chaturvedi receiving recognition for their performances.
The competition's role in identifying and developing young talent further emphasizes its significance within India's domestic cricket structure. The tournament provides a platform for state teams and emerging players to compete at a high level, supporting the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) broader efforts to maintain a strong pathway for future cricketers.
To sum up, the Cooch Behar Trophy continues to be an important part of Indian cricket. Its ability to give young cricketers a competitive platform ensures that it will remain a key contributor to player development and the growth of Indian cricket for years to come.
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