Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (India) 2024/25

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy stands as the premier domestic Twenty20 cricket competition in India. Organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), it occupies the top tier of the national domestic pyramid alongside the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The tournament began in the 2006–07 season, initially under the name Inter-State Twenty-20 Tournament, before adopting its current title in the 2009–10 campaign to honour the legendary cricketer Syed Mushtaq Ali.

Thirty-eight teams representing state and zonal associations participate in the event. The structure divides sides into five groups, with teams playing a round-robin schedule within their designated bracket. Progression follows a clear path: the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. Five group winners and the best second-placed side receive byes to the quarter-finals, while the remaining four second-placed teams contest pre-quarterfinal matches. Every match is restricted to 20 overs per side, and unlike longer formats, T20 contests cannot end in a draw; tied games are settled via a Super Over.

Competitive balance is maintained through a promotion and relegation system between the Elite Groups and the Plate Group. The lowest-ranked side in the Elite tier moves down to the Plate Group for the subsequent season, while the Plate Group winner earns promotion to the Elite status. This mechanism ensures that all 38 teams remain engaged in high-stakes cricket throughout the year.

Tamil Nadu leads the historical standings with three victories, including the inaugural edition and back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. Karnataka also secured consecutive wins during the renamed era in 2018–19 and 2019–20. Mumbai claimed the most recent title in December 2024, defeating Madhya Pradesh in the final. Other notable champions include Gujarat, Baroda, and Punjab, each holding two honours. The competition remains a vital platform for Indian players to demonstrate their Twenty20 capabilities.