The BCCI has taken a major step to revamp the format of domestic cricket, specifically for the one-day tournaments. The changes will be first seen in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, starting on August 28, 2025. A plate group system will be introduced in the domestic one-day tournaments. The inaugural matches of the Duleep Trophy on August 28th will feature North Zone against East Zone and Central Zone against North East Zone.
As part of this restructuring, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, and Under-23 Men’s State A Trophy will see teams divided into four elite groups and a single plate group. The bottom six teams will compete in the plate group. Earlier, two teams used to move up from the plate group each season, and two were relegated. Now, the format will see one team being promoted or relegated. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy will replace the knockout stage with a Super League stage.
The Ranji Trophy will also adopt the elite and plate group format, with the 2025-26 season beginning in October.
The changes aim to enhance the quality of domestic cricket, fostering improved performances and providing a platform for talented players. The domestic season will run from the Duleep Trophy start date on August 28th until the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy concludes on April 3rd, 2026. The revamped format aims to develop both men’s and women’s cricket, potentially benefiting teams and providing opportunities for players to earn selection for the national team, especially with crucial ODI matches in 2026.