Duleep Trophy to Return to Zonal Format Next Year
The Duleep Trophy, a prestigious domestic cricket tournament in India, is set to revert to its traditional zonal format starting next year. This decision was made at the 93rd Annual General Meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The Duleep Trophy was originally played on a zonal basis, with teams representing different regions of India. However, in 2023, the BCCI experimented with a new format, where four teams were selected by four teams. This experiment was met with mixed reactions, with some members of the BCCI expressing concerns that it was diluting the competitive nature of the tournament.
After a prolonged discussion at the AGM, the BCCI decided to move away from the experimental format and reinstate the zonal format. This decision was based on the recommendations of a working group consisting of then head coach Rahul Dravid, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, NCA head VVS Laxman, and Abey Kuruvilla, general manager of operations.
The working group had argued that the zonal format would maintain the competitive nature of the tournament and provide a better platform for players to showcase their skills. They also pointed out that the zonal format had a long history and tradition in Indian cricket.
The BCCI also authorized its office-bearers to finalize the BCCI’s representative for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) meetings as an ICC Director. With BCCI President Jay Shah set to take over as the ICC chair on December 1, a new ICC representative will need to be selected.
The AGM also passed a resolution to maintain the BCCI’s legal status as a society. The members further resolved that the tournaments of the BCCI, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), shall not be converted to a company.