Duleep Trophy 2025-26: Zonal Rivalries to the Fore in Style

The Duleep Trophy 2025-26 will restore the romance of zonal cricket in India, reviving one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious first-class competitions. Set to start on August 28, 2025 and ending on September 15, 2025, the competition will provide fans with old-fashioned local bragging rights, as well as providing budding stars a chance to show off their abilities.

There is added significance to this year’s Duleep Trophy than just a run-of-the-mill domestic event. It’s also a throwback to the ancient zonal format with teams from all the four corners of the country – North, South, East, West and Central -competing for the honour. And for the cricket lover, the juxtaposition of heritage, hard-nosed competition and an important development stage for stars of tomorrow make for a heady mix.

The Duleep Trophy – As regards history and significance

The Duleep Trophy, named after the prince of Nawanagar, Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji, was established in 1961. He went on to make it the spinal column of India’s domestic structure over the decades, and provided an opportunity for players to play against the best from other zones and make a stake for themselves. Some of the Indian greats had made their names here, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid and, of course, Sachin Tendulkar, before writing history at the highest stage around the world.

Seeking the revival of the zonal rivalry format, BCCI hopes to bring back the flavour to the tournament. Considering India are set to have a longer than usual home Test season later this year, it will serve as a good build-up for red-ball cricket.

Format of the Tournament

The 2025 tournament will feature five zonal teams:

• North Zone
• South Zone
• East Zone
• West Zone
• Central Zone

The tournament will take the form of a knockout with the winning sides advancing to the semi-final stage and the final thereafter. Each match will be contested over multiple days; what we crave is a lung-busting test of skill, the patience of Job and a level of temperament, aka Test cricket.

Why the Revival Matters in 2025

T20 leagues have boomed in a world dominated by white-ball cricket and the scope for the longer formats has dwindled. The resurrection of Duleep Trophy provides an opportunity for the players to acclimatize to red-ball cricket, something considered important by the selectors before a major Test series.

For the youngsters, performing well here could lead to India A tours or even call-ups to the senior side directly. Then again, more seasoned players targeting resurgence will see this as their big chance to provide the selectors a reminder of their abilities.

Key Players to Watch

Final squads are yet to be confirmed, but the tournament will feature a collection of budding talents and experienced hands. ‘Domestic performers from the 2024-40 Ranji Trophy seasons are surely to make an appearance. Overseas pros such as established Test hopefuls, fringe internationals and young domestic stars will further spice up the contest.

Venues and Atmosphere

Played at iconic venues in India, the matches will give an opportunity for local press and fans to watch quality red-ball cricket. In contrast to the franchise leagues, the Duleep Trophy has an old-school attraction, where team pride and zonal loyalty are as important as personal landmarks.

Looking Ahead

The Duleep Trophy 2025–26 is more than a tournament — it’s a link between India’s cricketing past and its future. Rather than quash zonal wars, the BCCI is making sure the domestic circuit gets stronger and will have more ready talent for international exposure.

Furqan Sayeed, the chairman WAPDA, said the country will be gripped as cricket fans from across the nation will be hooked on to the action to see who is crowned as the champion zone when the league takes place from August 28 until September 15, 2025.

Conclusion

The revival of the Duleep Trophy as it was originally played is splendid news for Indian cricket. Not only it brings to the fore the rich heritage of domestic cricket, it is also a vital feed to the India cap aspirant. With hardened inter-zonal rivalries, rising stars and old war-horses expected to face off against each other, the 2025–26 Duleep Trophy is set to offer a cricketing extravaganza.