Duleep Trophy Returns to Traditional Zonal Format

The Duleep Trophy will revert to its traditional zonal format next year after state units criticized the four-team concept. The recent format involved four teams: India A, B, C, and D, with India A emerging victorious. The traditional format provides better player representation from six zones. Key players participated, rejuvenating the event.

The Duleep Trophy will revert to its traditional zonal format next year after state units voiced their dissatisfaction with the four-team concept introduced this season.

This year, the red-ball event featured four teams—India A, B, C, and D—with India A defeating India C to win the competition earlier this month.

Traditionally, the tournament involves six teams from central, east, west, north, south, and northeast zones, offering players more opportunities from their respective areas.

''The state units felt the format used this season did not provide fair representation to players from their zones. The traditional zonal format gives players more opportunities zone-wise, and this sentiment was conveyed at the AGM today,'' a state unit official told PTI after the BCCI AGM in Bengaluru.

The BCCI had rebranded the Duleep Trophy this season, attracting significant attention with top Indian players participating in the first round. Rishabh Pant marked his red-ball comeback with a confidence-boosting half-century, while Shubman Gill captained the India A side before joining the India Test squad. Other prominent players included Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Akash Deep, and Kuldeep Yadav.

Shreyas Iyer, dropped for the Bangladesh series, captained India D, while Ruturaj Gaikwad led India C. Ishan Kishan, who had lost his central contract for not following the BCCI's directive to play domestic cricket, made a notable comeback with a fine hundred. The participation of both regulars and fringe players revitalized the event.

(With inputs from agencies.)