Duleep Trophy set to return to old traditional zonal format after state associations complain

After one season of experiment, the Duleep Trophy is set to be reverted back to the traditional zonal system. 2024 saw, four teams – India A to D take part in the red ball tournament, which was eventually won by India A. But now the state associations have given their thumbs down to the new system, and the old and traditional zonal format will come into play from next season.

Previously, a total of 6 teams from 6 different zones of the country took part in the domestic tournament. These included, East, West, North, South, Central and North East zones. But now the new system with 4 teams faced criticism and set to be done away.

“The state units felt the format used this season did not give a fair representation to the players from their respective zones. The traditional zonal format gives players more opportunities zone wise and that is what was conveyed in the AGM today,” a state unit official told PTI after the BCCI AGM in Bengaluru.

The state associations claimed that the new format comprising of 4 teams didn’t do justice to the proper representation of the players. The original format sees 6 teams play the red ball format of the game. More teams mean more players getting their chance to play, thus providing more opportunities for the players according to their particular zones.

This season, India Cricket Team‘s key players too took part in their preparation for the IND vs BAN Test series. Shubman Gill captained India A while Rishabh Pant made his comeback in red ball cricket.