Domestic
BCCI converts Under-23 one-dayers into T20 games
The BCCI, like every year, has issued schedule for the upcoming 2026-27 season and the major change has been with regards to under-23 one-day competition which has been converted to T20 format
Khurram Habib
A sports journalist for 23 years now, having written extensively on cricket, golf, Formula One among other sports. Have also manned desks, sports and otherwise.
21 May, 2026
New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a significant change to the domestic structure for under-23 cricketers.
The BCCI, like every year, has issued schedule for the upcoming 2026-27 season and the major change has been with regards to under-23 one-day competition which has been converted to T20 format.
"As part of the BCCI’s continued efforts to align domestic cricket with the evolving demands of the modern game, the Men’s U23 State A Trophy and the Vizzy Trophy have been converted from One Day competitions to T20 tournaments," said a statement from the BCCI on Wednesday.
The Board has also decided to reintroduce an Irani Cup-like fixture at Under-23 level.
"The upcoming season will witness the reinstatement of the Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy Winners vs Rest of India fixture, scheduled from 1st to 4th October 2026. The match returns to the domestic calendar to provide an enhanced competitive platform for emerging U23 cricketers," added the statement.
According to the Board, the domestic season will commence with the Duleep Trophy from August 23, 2026.
"The red-ball segment of the season will begin with the Duleep Trophy featuring six zonal teams, followed by the Irani Cup from 1st October. The Ranji Trophy and the Col. CK Nayudu Trophy will continue to be played in a two-phase format, ensuring adequate recovery time for players while continuing to prioritise multi-day cricket in the domestic structure. The Ranji Trophy Elite Group will feature 32 teams across four groups, while the Plate Group will comprise six teams," said the statement from BCCI.
The knockout stages of the Cooch Behar Trophy (Elite Group) will be played at Bengaluru and Mysuru.
"The move aims to ensure greater competitive balance for teams across all regions, particularly during the January knockout window when weather conditions can vary considerably."
The Vijay Merchant Trophy (U-16 multi-dayers) has been advanced in the domestic calendar and will now be played from November to January, allowing for improved scheduling and player preparation.
The Indian Domestic Season 2026-27 will feature 1,788 matches across age groups and formats in men’s and women’s cricket during the course of the season.
Tags : BCCI, Cricket, Vizzy Trophy, T20, Irani Cup, Duleep Trophy, Col. CK Nayudu Trophy
