Men Domestic Cricket

Ranji Trophy

The Ranji Trophy is a premier first-class cricket tournament in India, extending over three or more days. Established by A.S. De Mello, the founder of the BCCI, it launched in 1934-1935 under the name "The Cricket Championship of India," later renamed to honor Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji, Jam Sahib of Nawanagar. The inaugural match took place on November 4, 1934, between Madras and Mysore at the Chepauk ground in Madras (now Chennai). Teams are divided into four groups of nine to ten each, with a round-robin phase followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and the championship game. Featuring 169 multi-day matches, it captures intense attention - not just from cricket purists, but also within the online betting ecosystem, where it generates significant bonuses and engagement across sports brands.

Mumbai (Bombay) has a storied legacy, winning the Trophy a record 41 times, including an astounding 15 consecutive seasons from 1958-1959 to 1972-1973. With 46 final appearances and 18 titles from 1953-1954 to 1972-1973, Mumbai's dominance is unmatched. The tournament initially followed a zonal structure: North, West, East, South, with Central added in 1952-1953. In 2002-2003, it adopted a two-division structure: Elite and Plate Groups.

In the most recent edition (2024-2025), Vidarbha clinched their third Ranji Trophy, defeating Kerala in the final in Nagpur. This victory sparked enthusiastic celebrations among local fans and underlined how the team’s focus on player development and strategic planning is elevating cricket beyond traditional powerhouses.

Vijay Hazare Trophy

The Vijay Hazare Trophy, inaugurated in 2002-2003 and bearing the name of the legendary cricketer, has grown into one of India’s most watched one-day domestic tournaments. Tamil Nadu holds the record for the most titles (five). Originally, teams qualified through zonal round-robins; after 2004-2005, the format shifted to semifinals and finals via playoffs.

• Up to 2014-2015: 28 teams competed across five zones (North, South, East, West, Central).
• Post-2014-2015: The field expanded to 38 teams, sorted into five Elite Groups plus one Plate Group.
• Top teams advance to quarters and knockouts.

Tamil Nadu won the first edition in 2002-2003. Other consistent champions include Mumbai, Railways, Saurashtra, Karnataka. Jagadeesan stole headlines during one season with five consecutive List A hundreds, setting the record for the highest individual score in domestic 50-over cricket. The tournament has spotlighted emerging talent, often serving as a launchpad for national recognition.

In the 2024-2025 edition, Karnataka ended a five-year title drought by defeating Vidarbha by 36 runs in the final. The win attracted large crowds and renewed enthusiasm across the home state, demonstrating how domestic tournaments can ignite regional pride and raise investment in grassroots infrastructure.

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is India’s elite annual T20 domestic competition, introduced as the "Inter-State T20 Championship" in 2006-2007. The tournament expanded from 27 to 38 teams and has become a vibrant platform for showcasing high-pressure cricket and talent suited to the modern game.

After an inter-zonal stint in 2016, the format reverted to an inter-state competition. Now, 38 teams split across six groups (including a Plate Group) play five matches each. Leading teams progress through knockouts.

Previous winners include Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Bengal, Baroda, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Mumbai, Punjab.

In the 2024-2025 edition, Mumbai triumphed over Madhya Pradesh in a gripping final, with Shreyas Iyer inspiring a five-wicket victory. The tournament attracted widespread media attention, reflecting the growing appetite for domestic T20. It also showcased enhanced broadcast innovations (like Hawk-Eye visuals and real-time analytics) that enhanced viewer engagement across digital platforms.

Duleep Trophy

One of India’s most historic domestic tournaments, the Duleep Trophy began in 1961. Originally contested by five zonal teams: North, South, East, West, Central, it has served as a stage for regional pride and showcase of depth in talent. In 2024-2025, the tournament was rebooted into its classic zonal format. Historically, North Zone and West Zone have featured prominently, with North Zone securing the most titles.

In the most recent edition, West Zone lifted the trophy after a closely fought final, rekindling the fierce zonal rivalries that initially defined the competition. The revamped format revived fan passion, increased attendance, and renewed stakeholder interest in sponsoring these critical domestic fixtures.

Beyond competition, the Duleep Trophy remains a pivotal talent pipeline (its performances closely tracked by national selectors) and culture-rich events such as this sustain India’s deep-rooted cricketing heritage.

Indian Premier League (IPL)

The Indian Premier League (IPL), operated by the BCCI’s governing council, is one of the world’s most lucrative and watched Twenty20 leagues. Started in 2008, it now features ten city-based franchises. Ranked second globally in sports league earnings, the IPL consistently delivers high-octane cricket and marquee entertainment.

The Rajasthan Royals won the inaugural season. As of July 2024, 17 seasons have been completed. In the most recent season, the Gujarat Titans secured their first championship. However, the featured highlight remains Kolkata Knight Riders’ emphatic eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their third IPL final victory.

The IPL continues to redefine sports entertainment, driving technological innovation in streaming, fan engagement through AR filters, and data-driven team strategy. The league’s influence also extends into commerce, boosting brands, fashion trends, and youth interest in cricket, especially across India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Irani Cup

Named after Z.R. Irani, a former BCCI official, the Irani Cup has been a fixture in India’s domestic calendar since 1959. It typically pits the reigning Ranji Trophy champions against a Rest of India squad, a true “champion versus collective best” narrative.

Traditionally, this match has showcased players contending for senior team spots and highlighted elite match temperament.

In the 2024-2025 edition, the match between Mumbai and Rest of India ended in a draw, but Mumbai claimed the Cup on a first-innings lead. This result reinforced Mumbai’s consistency and was observed keenly by selectors assessing players in pressure situations. It also drew significant live attendance, reflecting the enduring appetite for competitive one-off matches that bridge domestic and international standards.

Men’s U23 State A Trophy (formerly U23 State A Trophy)

This competition offers under-23 players a critical stage to showcase emerging talent. Played in a round-robin format followed by knockouts, it has featured promising stars on the cusp of bigger opportunities.

In the latest final, Uttar Pradesh edged out Uttarakhand by 16 runs. The tightly contested match held in a vibrant venue drew strong local support and underscored how age-group tournaments nurture fan interest and offer players their first taste of high-stakes cricket - with coaches, scouts, and family cohorts in full attendance.

Col CK Nayudu Trophy

India's domestic cricket tournament, the Colonel C. K. Nayudu Trophy, is a prestigious competition for under-23 teams representing various state and regional cricket associations. Named after India's first Test cricket captain, C. K. Nayudu, the event is organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and features four-day matches. Over the years, the tournament has undergone several adjustments in age categories, including under-22, under-23, and under-25 formats.

In the most recent edition, Gujarat once again emerged as the champion, securing back-to-back titles by defeating Mumbai in a closely fought final. This repeat triumph underlined Gujarat’s growing dominance in the age-group circuit and demonstrated the depth of their bench strength. The final attracted strong attention from scouts and selectors, with the competition continuing to serve as a vital platform for identifying players ready for higher-level domestic cricket.

The BCCI’s rules have also shaped the nature of the competition. Since the 2014-2015 season, the age limit was brought down to 23, with only three Ranji Trophy players allowed in the starting XI. That restriction continued until the 2019-2020 season, after which the age limit reverted to 25 starting in 2021-2022. However, the current format remains focused on the under-23 bracket, ensuring the tournament stays true to its developmental goals while still offering competitive cricket that draws a passionate following.

Discontinued Events

These two events no longer continue but had meaningful roles in India’s cricketing ecosystem:

Deodhar Trophy

The Deodhar Trophy was an important one-day domestic tournament that started in 1973. It served as a prime opportunity for players to impress national selectors. Winners over the years include: South Zone (1973-1974, 1974-1975, 1978-1979, 1980-1981, 1981-1982), West Zone (1975-1976, 1979-1980, 1982-1983, 1983-1984, 1984-1985, 1985-1986, 2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2013-2014), Middle Area (1976-1977, 1994-1995, 1998-1999), North Zone (1977-1978, 1986-1987, 1987-1988, 1988-1989, 1989-1990, 1995-1996, 1997-1998, 1999-2000, 2002-2003, 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2009-2010, 2010-2011), South Zone (1991-1992, 2000-2001), East Zone (1992-1993, 1993-1994, 2014-2015), India A (2015-2016), Tamil Nadu (2016-2017), India B (2017-2018), India C (2018-2019), India B again (2019-2020), and South Zone (2023-2024). This tournament has since been discontinued, marking the end of a distinguished chapter in domestic limited-overs cricket. Its legacy remains in how it cultivated talent and maintained competitive standards during its run.

Col CK Nayudu Trophy Winners vs Rest of India (ROI)

This fixture featured the winners of the Col CK Nayudu Trophy taking on a Rest of India side - a showcase for the finest young talent. This contest is no longer contested, though it was once a celebrated bridge between age-group success and wider recognition. Its discontinuation leaves a gap in opportunities for standout players to test themselves against a composite squad of peers.

With several decades of history, domestic cricket competitions in India are a testament to the sport's evolution and ability to blend traditional charm with modern techniques. The country is home to an impressive array of world-class cricket infrastructure, including a variety of stadiums, training centers, and academies, all of which assist in developing players from beginner to professional status.

The BCCI organizes several domestic events in India each year, including the Irani Trophy, the Ranji Trophy, the Duleep Trophy, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the Deodhar Trophy, and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The largest sporting league in the world and the largest cricket league is the Indian Premier League (IPL), a Twenty20 competition featuring different city-based teams playing like American football. The Women's Premier League (WPL), a league for women, was also introduced in 2023.

India's success in cricket is largely due to its vast domestic cricket system. These competitions fulfill several important functions:

• Talent Identification & Development
• Maintaining a Strong Cricket Ecosystem
• Building a Strong National Team
• Fan Engagement & Cricket Culture

Historical Milestones

The history and structure of the Men’s domestic cricket season in India have evolved significantly since the early days of the sport in the country, reflecting broader cultural, political, and technological shifts. The Ranji Trophy, established in 1934, marks the inception of structured domestic cricket in India. Named after Maharaja Ranjitsinhji, a celebrated Indian cricketer who played for England, the tournament was initially organized to encourage cricketing talent across the country. Over the decades, the Ranji Trophy became the backbone of Indian cricket, shaping the careers of countless players who would go on to represent India at the international level.

In the early years, the domestic cricket schedule was relatively straightforward, with a focus on regional rivalries and a limited number of tournaments. However, post-independence, the structure began to expand. The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), the governing body responsible for organizing the domestic schedule, introduced new tournaments such as the Duleep Trophy in 1961 and the Irani Cup in 1959, which added depth and variety to the domestic circuit. The Duleep Trophy, in particular, was initially designed as a competition between teams representing different geographical zones of India, fostering a sense of regional pride and competition.

Cultural and political events have also played a crucial role in shaping the domestic cricket schedule. For instance, during the 1970s and 1980s, the schedule was influenced by India’s political climate and economic policies, which often resulted in matches being scheduled around significant national events or public holidays to maximize viewership. The liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s brought new financial opportunities and challenges, leading to a more commercial approach in organizing the domestic calendar. This era saw the introduction of the Deodhar Trophy and the Challenger Series, designed to provide more exposure to budding cricketers.

Technological advancements and the rise of satellite television in the late 20th and early 21st centuries further influenced the domestic cricket schedule. The BCCI began to strategically schedule matches to suit prime-time television slots, ensuring maximum audience engagement. The introduction of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2006, a domestic Twenty20 competition, was a direct response to the global popularity of the shorter format and India’s victory in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. This shift reflected not only the changing preferences of cricket fans but also the growing influence of commercial sponsorship and broadcast rights in determining the structure and timing of domestic competitions.

Today, the domestic season in India is a meticulously planned affair, balancing traditional tournaments like the Ranji Trophy with newer formats like the IPL, which has become a global cricketing phenomenon. The schedule is crafted by the BCCI with inputs from broadcasters, sponsors, and state associations, ensuring that it meets the demands of a cricket-crazy nation while providing ample opportunities for players to develop and showcase their talents on a variety of platforms.

The foundation of the cricketing ecosystem in India is domestic cricket, which develops talent and entertains millions of people. Its lasting success and popularity are guaranteed by its cultural influence, strong infrastructure, large talent pool, commercialization, and wide media coverage. Every domestic tournament adds something special to the rich weaving of Indian cricket by developing and exhibiting cricketing skills.

Men's domestic cricket in India has risen from its colonial roots to become a pillar of the nation's sporting culture. Its rich history, combined with the ongoing evolution of forms and competitions, has made it a vital part of Indian society.

Betting on the Men’s Domestic Cricket Season

The Men’s Domestic Cricket Season in India is a goldmine for bettors, offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation that makes betting on these matches both exciting and rewarding. With the upcoming 2025-2026 season, there’s plenty for cricket enthusiasts to look forward to. The season is packed with high-stakes tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and the revamped Duleep Trophy, now back to its classic zonal format. These changes not only enhance the competition on the field but also open up new betting markets, allowing you to explore a wider range of wagers and potentially higher returns.

Is it legal to bet on cricket in India? The short answer is yes, but with some conditions. While the Public Gambling Act of 1867 forms the basis of gambling laws in India, it doesn’t specifically address online betting, leaving it largely unregulated at the national level. As a result, the legality of online betting varies by state. Currently, states like Goa, Sikkim, and Daman have legalized various forms of gaming, while others have not made definitive regulations. However, Indian cricket fans can legally place bets on online sportsbooks that operate outside of India, as these platforms aren’t subject to Indian law.

For those eager to place bets on this thrilling season, IndiaBetMaster.com offers everything you need to make informed decisions. The website provides detailed information about the season’s structure, key matches, and player statistics, alongside top-rated reviews of the best betting platforms. With all this at your fingertips, betting on the Men’s Domestic Cricket Season has never been easier or more accessible.