Vijay Hazare Trophy (India) 2025/26

The Vijay Hazare Trophy stands as India’s premier domestic List A cricket competition. Organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the tournament honours the legacy of the legendary batsman who captained the national side to its first Test win. Founded in the 1993–94 season, it gained national status two years later and received its current name in 2007–08.

Thirty-eight teams contest the annual event, split into Elite and Plate divisions. The structure begins with a group stage played on a round-robin basis, followed by a knockout phase comprising quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final. Movement between tiers is determined by performance: the Plate champion secures promotion, while the lowest-ranked side in the Elite groups faces relegation. This mechanism ensures competitive balance across the domestic landscape.

History highlights Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as dominant forces, each claiming five titles. In the most recent campaign, Vidarbha secured the championship by defeating Saurashtra. Individual milestones have also been recorded, such as Narayan Jagadeesan’s highest individual score of 277 runs in 2022–23 and Bihar’s team total of 574 for six wickets in the 2025–26 season.

The tournament serves as the primary pathway for players aspiring to represent the Indian national One Day International team. It remains distinct from the Ranji Trophy, which covers first-class cricket, and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which focuses on Twenty20 matches. A key feature differentiating it from the regional Deodhar Trophy is the participation of state and territorial teams rather than zonal or national ‘A’ sides.

The competition provides a crucial platform for emerging talent, bridging the gap between local cricket and international stages. Regular participation allows players to demonstrate consistency against varied opposition. Success within these ranks often signals readiness for higher-level selection.