The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 is one of the most anticipated domestic cricket tournaments in India, organised annually by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Known as India’s premier List-A 50-over domestic competition, the tournament consistently produces standout performers who often earn national call-ups based on their form and consistency.
As the new domestic season approaches, fans, selectors, and cricket followers are gearing up for another edition of competitive one-day cricket. While the official schedule and match dates for the 2025–26 season have not yet been released by the BCCI, a complete understanding of the structure, format, teams, and expectations helps fans prepare for the tournament.
This guide covers everything officially known so far—without assumptions or unverified fixtures.
Overview of the Vijay Hazare Trophy
The Vijay Hazare Trophy is named after the legendary Indian cricketer Vijay Samuel Hazare, a technically gifted batter and respected leader. Since its introduction in the 2002–03 season, the tournament has grown into an important platform for upcoming players who aim to break into the national ODI setup.
Key features of the tournament include:
-
50-over format, similar to One-Day Internationals
-
Participation from state teams, union territories, and Railways/Services
-
Talent identification for India A and India senior team
-
High-level competition across domestic circuits
-
A structured league-to-knockout progression
The 2025–26 edition continues this legacy under BCCI’s domestic calendar.
Tournament Structure for 2025–26
Although specific dates are pending, the tournament format remains the same as recent seasons, based on BCCI’s existing domestic framework.
Group Stage Format
Teams are usually divided into multiple groups:
-
Elite Group A
-
Elite Group B
-
Elite Group C
-
Elite Group D
-
Plate Group
Each group follows a round-robin format, where every team plays the others in its group.
Qualification to Knockouts
Based on the structure BCCI uses every year:
-
Top teams from each Elite Group qualify directly for the quarterfinals.
-
The second-placed teams may compete in pre-quarterfinal playoffs, depending on BCCI’s final format for the season.
-
The Plate Group typically sends one qualifying team into the knockout stage.
Knockout Rounds
The knockout stage involves:
-
Pre-quarterfinal (if applicable)
-
Quarterfinals
-
Semifinals
-
Final
This ensures high-intensity matches that decide the season’s champion.
Participating Teams in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26
The number of participating teams remains 38, consistent with BCCI’s domestic lineup.
These include:
Elite Teams
-
Mumbai
-
Delhi
-
Karnataka
-
Tamil Nadu
-
Punjab
-
Haryana
-
Kerala
-
Bengal
-
Saurashtra
-
Baroda
-
Gujarat
-
Maharashtra
-
Uttar Pradesh
-
Madhya Pradesh
-
Railways
-
Services
-
Vidarbha
-
Jammu & Kashmir
-
Rajasthan
-
Chandigarh
-
Himachal Pradesh
-
Andhra
-
Hyderabad
Plate Group Teams
-
Arunachal Pradesh
-
Manipur
-
Meghalaya
-
Mizoram
-
Nagaland
-
Sikkim
-
Tripura
-
Pondicherry
-
Bihar
These teams are expected to compete in the 2025–26 edition unless officially changed by the BCCI.
What Fans Can Expect in the 2025–26 Season
Even without final dates, the Vijay Hazare Trophy typically delivers competitive cricket. Here’s what makes it exciting:
A Platform for Emerging Stars
Every year, several uncapped players make headlines. Performances here can lead to:
-
India A selections
-
IPL attention
-
Senior team consideration
Strong Performances from Senior Players
Experienced names often use the tournament to regain rhythm or stay match-ready for international commitments.
Spinners & All-Rounders Dominating
Historically, the tournament rewards:
-
All-rounders with consistent batting and economical bowling
-
Wrist spinners and finger spinners on helpful Indian wickets
Balanced Mix of Youth and Experience
Teams feature a blend of Ranji regulars, U-23 players, and India internationals returning for domestic duty.
How the BCCI Schedules the Tournament
While match dates for 2025–26 are yet to be announced, BCCI generally follows:
-
Hosting matches across multiple zones
-
Picking grounds based on weather, pitch suitability, and logistics
-
Ensuring back-to-back fixtures with adequate recovery time
-
Utilizing high-quality stadiums and practice venues
The official schedule will be published once BCCI finalizes the domestic season calendar.
Recent Champions (Reference for Fans)
The Vijay Hazare Trophy has seen diverse winners in recent editions:
-
Tamil Nadu – multiple titles in the past decade
-
Saurashtra – strong List-A performers
-
Himachal Pradesh – breakout champions in recent years
-
Mumbai – consistent top-tier side
This variety reflects the competitive balance within domestic cricket.
Conclusion
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 continues to be a cornerstone of India’s domestic cricket structure. While BCCI has not yet released the official schedule, fans can expect a high-quality tournament with powerful batting displays, disciplined bowling spells, and exciting finishes across group and knockout stages. The event also remains a vital pathway for rising stars aiming to showcase their talent and prove their readiness for higher levels of cricket.
As soon as BCCI announces match dates and fixtures, teams and fans will be able to prepare for a full season of intense one-day cricket.
FAQs
What is the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
It is India’s premier domestic 50-over cricket tournament, played annually under the BCCI.
Has the schedule for the 2025–26 season been released?
No, the BCCI has not yet announced the official schedule or match dates for the 2025–26 edition.
How many teams participate in the tournament?
A total of 38 domestic teams from across India participate each season.
What format does the Vijay Hazare Trophy follow?
It includes a group stage followed by knockout rounds, with teams divided into Elite and Plate groups.
Why is the tournament important?
The tournament serves as a major platform for selection into India A, IPL opportunities, and even India’s national ODI team.
Click here to know more.