Super League Stage In SMAT, Plate Groups In VHT: BCCI Introduces Key Changes In Domestic Tournaments

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-08-22 08:38:29 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-22 10:27:53

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 0

---

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced upcoming format changes for the domestic season starting in 2025-26, including the introduction of zonal selection and a new system for their plate groups. These changes will impact the Super League stage of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), the Plate Groups of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), and the upcoming Duleep Trophy.

The BCCI has instituted these changes to streamline the domestic circuit and provide more competitive opportunities for players. The new zonal selection process will involve the five zones: North, South, East, West, and Central.

These zones will now select their players for the Super League stage of the SMAT, where the top 37 players from each zone will compete. Previously, the teams for the Super League stage were decided through a combination of state and BCCI selectors.

For the Plate Groups of the VHT, the BCCI has introduced a new system where the six plates will be divided into three groups of two zones each. Each group will include the top 11 players from each zone, totaling 66 players per group.

The BCCI has also announced that the upcoming Duleep Trophy will be a three-team affair, with the teams being India Red, India Blue, and India Green. The players will be selected exclusively by the five zones.

These changes are part of the BCCI's ongoing efforts to enhance the domestic circuit and provide a platform for the country's top players to showcase their talents.

The new format will be tested later this month when the Duleep Trophy kicks off on August 25 in Leh, Ladakh, with the final scheduled for September 6.

This news is a refreshing and much-needed change for fans who follow Indian domestic cricket, as it gives players more opportunities to excel and potentially get noticed by selectors and talent scouts.

Go!