The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a major overhaul of its domestic one-day cricket structure by introducing a new Plate Group format. This reform will apply to tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, and the Men’s U-23 State ‘A’ Trophy from the 2025–26 season, which officially kicks off with the Duleep Trophy on August 28.
Under the new system, each tournament will feature four Elite Groups and one Plate Group, which will include the six lowest-ranked teams from the previous season. The aim is to enhance competition, create meaningful fixtures, and provide more structured opportunities for developing sides.
A key aspect of this reform is the change in promotion and relegation rules. Previously, two teams would move up from the Plate Group to the Elite Group each season, while two Elite teams would be relegated. From this season onward, only one team will be promoted and one relegated annually. This adjustment is intended to bring greater stability, allow teams to plan long-term strategies, and ensure that the competition remains balanced while still offering upward mobility for emerging teams.
The restructuring doesn’t stop there. The Duleep Trophy is reverting to a zonal format with eight teams representing regions like North, South, East, West, Central, and North-East Zones. This throwback approach is expected to revive regional rivalries and strengthen the talent pipeline. Similarly, other white-ball tournaments, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, will feature a Super League stage instead of direct knockouts. This stage will provide the top teams more game time before progressing to the final, reducing the chance of early elimination due to one bad match.
The BCCI has also extended the Plate Group concept to junior and women’s competitions, where five Elite Groups and one Plate Group will now be standard. This consistency across age and gender categories is aimed at building a unified system for talent development.
This matters as the Plate Group initiative is more than a structural tweak—it’s a strategic investment in the future of Indian cricket. By providing lower-ranked teams with a clear path to progress, the system fosters competitive equity and talent discovery. Elite teams, on the other hand, face increased stakes to maintain their position, making every match meaningful. The introduction of the Super League and zonal revamp ensures more high-pressure matches, preparing players for the intensity of international cricket.
As the domestic season unfolds, starting with the Duleep Trophy and running through to April 2026, these changes will be closely monitored by stakeholders. If successful, they could set a benchmark for other cricket boards worldwide seeking to balance tradition, competitiveness, and player development.
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