Irani Cup (India) 2023/24

The Irani Cup is a domestic first-class cricket competition in India, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It was founded in the 1959–60 season to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Ranji Trophy and is named in memory of Zal R. Irani, a former BCCI Treasurer and President.

This tournament serves as a secondary fixture in the Indian domestic pyramid, traditionally played at the conclusion of the Ranji Trophy season. It features a unique format where only two teams compete: the reigning Ranji Trophy champion and a composite 'Rest of India' side selected from players representing all other domestic associations. The match is a single, five-day game, with no promotion or relegation involved. Participation is determined solely by performance in the Ranji Trophy.

Rest of India holds the record for the most titles, having won 30 times. Mumbai follows with 14 titles, though some sources suggest 15 depending on how the 2024-25 draw is handled. In the recent 2024-25 edition, Mumbai claimed victory after a drawn match, following rules that awarded the title to the team with the higher first-innings score. Notable individual and team records include Vidarbha's highest total of 800/7 declared in 2018 and Wasim Jaffer's highest individual score of 286 not out during the same match.

The venue for the Irani Cup is typically the home ground of the Ranji Trophy winner, although logistical challenges such as weather can lead to changes. While the Ranji Trophy determines the best state team through a multi-team league, the Irani Cup focuses on testing the champion against the rest of the country's talent in a one-off contest.