Ranji Trophy Overhauled: Two Phases, Extra Gap Between Matches
India’s premier domestic cricket tournament, the Ranji Trophy, is set to undergo a significant overhaul in its 90th season, which begins on October 10. The tournament will now be played in two phases, with an extra day’s gap between matches to prioritize player well-being.
Phase 1:
The first phase of the Ranji Trophy will take place from October 11 to November 13, with each team playing five league games. This phase will be followed by the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20s) and Vijay Hazare Trophy (50 overs).
Phase 2:
The second phase of the Ranji Trophy will resume on January 23, 2025, with the last two group fixtures. The knockout phase will begin on February 8, with the final scheduled for February 26 to March 2.
Format Changes:
The tournament will feature 38 teams divided into five groups: Elite A, Elite B, Elite C, Elite D, and Plate. Teams will face all other teams in their respective groups, with the top two teams from each Elite group qualifying for the knockouts. The finalists from the Plate group knockout matches will earn promotion to the Elite groups for the following season, while the bottom two teams in the combined Elite group table will be relegated to the Plate group.
Rationale for Changes:
The changes to the Ranji Trophy structure were proposed by a working group led by former India men’s head coach Rahul Dravid. The group recognized the lack of game time during the winter season in north India and the need for an extra day’s gap between matches to allow players sufficient recovery time.
Impact on Players:
The new format is expected to provide players with more opportunities to showcase their skills and improve their fitness. The extra day’s gap between matches will reduce the risk of injuries and allow players to perform at their best.
Conclusion:
The overhaul of the Ranji Trophy structure is a significant step towards revitalizing India’s domestic cricket landscape. The changes are designed to enhance player well-being, provide more competitive opportunities, and ultimately elevate the standard of domestic cricket in India.