Ranji Trophy set to be played in two halves, no zonal teams in Duleep Trophy in new domestic season

The Ranji Trophy and the Duleep Trophy have been fundamental to the Indian domestic cricket framework for numerous decades, adhering to a steadfast structure that has remained firmly entrenched for an extended period. However, in accordance with a recent alteration initiated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, there has been a significant modification in their mechanisms.

The BCCI has proclaimed the division of the Ranji Trophy into two segments for the domestic season of 2024-25. This resolution follows consultations between a four-member working committee (comprising current Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, NCA chief VVS Laxman, senior men's selection chairman Ajit Agarkar, and BCCI general manager (domestic cricket) Abey Kuruvilla), and senior players and coaches. All the members expressed apprehensions regarding the shortage of match time due to unforeseen interruptions due to dire weather in northern India during the winter months (December, January, February). 

In contrast to the previous season, wherein the Ranji Trophy took place between January 5 and March 14, following the conclusion of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (20-over tournament) and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (50-over tournament), the current proposal entails each team participating in five league matches within a five-week timeframe preceding the commencement of the white-ball competitions. The final two group-stage encounters are slated to take place immediately following the conclusion of the Vijay Hazare Trophy on January 18, with the knockout stage of the competition scheduled to commence from February 8 onwards.

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Following the expressions of Indian all-rounder, Shardul Thakur, and former Indian stalwart, Rahul Dravid, who emphasized the necessity for extended intervals between matches and underscored the importance of "listening to the players" in formulating domestic schedules due to the extensive match load, the BCCI, with a focus on strengthening the foundation of domestic cricket while prioritizing player welfare, implemented an additional day's gap between matches. This adjustment extends the gap to four days, contrasting with the previous three-day interval observed until the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.

As far as the Duleep Trophy is concerned, which will be played from September 5 in the season-opener in Anantapur, there'll be a departure from the traditional format of zonal teams. This marks a shift from the recent practice which has been going on since the 2022/23 season, wherein a zonal committee overseen by a convener reverted to the zonal structure by selecting six teams (North, South, East, West, Central, and North East).

This season, the tournament has been streamlined into a four-team competition, with squads curated by the national selectors. According to ESPNcricinfo, one of the rationales behind this adjustment is to afford the selectors the opportunity to evaluate a broader spectrum of players, including those within the focused demographic, thereby providing ample opportunities in preparation for India's Test season.