The stage is set for another action-packed domestic cricket season in India as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly finalized the schedule for the 2025–26 season. With red-ball cricket at the heart of the calendar, the Raji Trophy is all set to take place in two phases.
As reported by a PTI journalist, the Indian domestic season 2025-26 will kick off with the Duleep Trophy, which is scheduled from August 28 to September 15, giving selectors an early glimpse of the form and fitness of the players for the international assignments.
BCCI reveals packed 2025–26 domestic cricket season
Just days later, the focus will shift to the iconic Irani Cup, which is slated to be held from October 1 to 5, where the defending Ranji champions and the Rest of India team will battle for the trophy. After which, India’s premier first-class tournament—the Ranji Trophy—will take center stage.
The Ranji Trophy will be played in two phases this season as well. The first phase of the red-ball tournament will run from October 15 to November 19, followed by a break before the second phase and knockouts, scheduled between January 22 and February 28.
2025-2026 BCCI domestic season: Ranjit Trophy phase 1 from Oct 15-Nov 19, Phase 2 Jan 22-Feb 28 including knockouts. Duleep Trophy Aug 28-Sep 15, Irani Cup Oct 1-5
— Bharat Sharma (@sharmabharat45) June 14, 2025
During the break, India’s white-ball tournaments, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in December and the Vijay Hazare Trophy in January, will be staged by the BCCI.
BCCI brings back Zonal format for Duleep Trophy
Meanwhile, the BCCI has decided to bring back the traditional zonal format for the Duleep Trophy from this season. Instead of four teams like last year (India A, B, C, and D), the tournament will now feature six zones—North, South, East, West, Central, and Northeast.
This change means more domestic players will get the chance to showcase their talent, and more Test cricketers can be included in the squads. The decision was taken during the BCCI Apex Council meeting in March and is now set to be implemented when the season begins.
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Vidarbha set to begin Ranji season as defending champions
Well, Vidarbha lifted the Ranji Trophy in the 2024–25 season after beating Kerala in the final at Nagpur. However, the match ended in a draw, but Vidarbha’s 37-run lead in the first innings was enough to secure them the title, according to the tournament rules.
Karun Nair led the charge with a brilliant century, while Danish Malewar provided strong support to push the third-innings lead past 400. This win marked Vidarbha’s third Ranji Trophy title in just seven years. After his strong show in the last domestic season, Nair was recalled to the Indian cricket team.
Notably, the Indian cricket team is currently gearing up for the five-match Test series against England, starting on June 20 in Leeds. They are presently facing India A in a warm-up game to fine-tune their preparations for the tough challenge ahead against Ben Stokes and his team.
