The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the schedule for the upcoming Indian domestic cricket season 2024-25, featuring several innovative changes aimed at enhancing the overall experience for players and fans alike.
One of the major developments is the decision to eliminate the toss in the CK Nayudu Trophy, a move that is set to shake up the traditional dynamics of the game. The BCCI has also introduced a new points system for the U-23 cricket tournament, CK Nayudu Trophy, which rewards teams for batting and bowling prowess in the first innings, as well as for securing the first innings lead or achieving an outright victory.
Furthermore, the Ranji Trophy will now be played in two phases, with a dedicated window for white-ball competitions to ensure a balanced and action-packed season. The final of the prestigious Ranji Trophy is scheduled to take place in March 2025.
In a bid to prioritize player welfare, the BCCI has incorporated extended gaps between matches to allow for sufficient recovery time and sustained peak performance. Additionally, the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament will kick off in November, followed closely by the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December, before the resumption of the Ranji Trophy.
For women’s cricket, the Challenger Trophy makes a triumphant return, offering a platform for handpicked teams to showcase their talent. The tournament, previously played in zonal formats, will now be rebranded as the Challenger Trophy and feature teams selected by national selectors in various formats including one-day, T20, and multi-day competitions.
With these exciting changes and enhancements to the domestic cricket calendar, the BCCI aims to elevate the standard of the game and provide an engaging experience for players and fans alike. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!