Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (India) 2020/21

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is the premier domestic Twenty20 cricket competition in India, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Launched for the 2006–07 season under the name the Inter-State T20 Championship, it was renamed to honour former Indian cricketer Syed Mushtaq Ali. Standing at the top tier of the national pyramid, the tournament serves as a primary platform for players aiming for T20I selection and IPL scouting.

The event currently features 38 teams, corresponding to the state and regional sides participating in the Ranji Trophy. The format for the 2025–26 season divides these teams into an Elite Category comprising 32 teams in four groups of eight and a Plate Category with six teams in one group. The top two teams from each Elite group advance to a Super League to determine the finalists. Meanwhile, the Plate group winner plays a final to secure promotion. A distinctive feature of the current structure is the promotion and relegation system introduced for the 2025–26 season; one team moves from the Plate group to the Elite group, while one team is relegated from the Elite group to the Plate group based on previous season rankings and group performance.

Tamil Nadu stands as the most successful team with three titles, winning in 2006–07, 2019–20, and 2020–21. Jharkhand is the reigning champion, having claimed their maiden title in the 2025–26 season by defeating Haryana. Notable records include Baroda’s world-record highest T20 total of 349/5 in 2024 and Tilak Varma’s highest individual score of 151. The tournament runs in October and November, distinct from the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy which takes place earlier in the year.