Duleep Trophy returns to inter-zonal format; Bengaluru to host from August 28

The Duleep Trophy is set to make a comeback in its traditional inter-zonal format, with Bengaluru hosting the event from August 28 to September 15. The tournament will be staged at the Centre of Excellence grounds and will follow a knockout structure featuring six zones—South, Central, West, East, North, and North-East.

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South Zone and West Zone have secured direct entries into the semifinals, while the remaining four teams will battle it out in the quarterfinals. North Zone faces East Zone and Central Zone takes on North-East Zone in matches scheduled from August 28 to 31. The semifinal clashes will run from September 4 to 7, culminating in the final, which begins on September 11.

The Duleep Trophy has experienced multiple format changes in recent years. Between 2016-17 and 2019-20, the competition was contested by teams designated India A, B, C, and D, selected by national selectors rather than by zones. It returned to the zonal system in 2022-23 before reverting to the A-B-C-D structure last season.

This year’s shift back to zonal representation follows a decision made during the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting. The tournament was also on hiatus during parts of the Covid-19 pandemic, contributing to the intermittent changes in its format. The return to its original framework is expected to reignite regional rivalries and offer a platform for zonal talent to shine.