Ranji Trophy is an Indian domestic cricket championship which is named after Ranjitsinhji a.k.a. Ranji, the first-ever Indian to play international cricket. Since 1934, this first-class tournament is being played in India among various teams across state and regional cricket associations.
Since its inception, Ranji Trophy now consists of a total of 38 teams including teams from 4 union territories, and 28 states. Among the qualified teams are – cricket associations, state teams, and cricket clubs having first-class status.
The most winning regional team of Ranji Trophy is Mumbai Cricket Association having 41 wins. Mumbai consequently won 15 matches from 1958 – 1959 to 1972-1973.
Ranji Trophy 2020-2021
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be conducting the 87th edition of the tournament on January 01, 2021. Saurashtra being the defending champions.
Since the format to play the premier domestic tournament in India changes from time to time. For the 2020-2021 Ranji Trophy 87th season, BCCI decides to change the format. Where teams will be split and compete in 5 groups despite of 3. That will help in shortening the duration of the Ranji Trophy tournament.
However, amid the pandemic, in June 2020, BCCI denied making such changes in the tournament. Moreover, the head of the National Cricket Academy, Rahul Dravid suggested BCCI start the Indian domestic 87th season later or shall be shortened with effect to the pandemic.
As per the report on July 19, 2020, the regional and state teams to play the primer domestic Indian cricket will be divided into five zones – Central, West, North, East, and South. Also. It states that the tournament is scheduled for January 2020-2021. But there is no confirmation for that.
Recently, BCCI confirms that Ranji Trophy shall be conducted on an “A Priority” basis. The only senior first-class domestic tournament will severely be imposed with restrictions with effect to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. With having the possibility of no domestic tournament this season.
