NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for
Cricket
in India (BCCI) is set to launch its 2024-25 domestic cricket season with the commencement of the
Duleep Trophy
on September 5th, 2024.
This prestigious red-ball tournament will serve as a key platform for players to prepare for the upcoming international calendar, which features a significant number of
Test matches
.
ICC Chairman and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah conveyed his best wishes to all participating players, emphasizing the significance of
red-ball cricket
as the "purest form of the game."
He highlighted the tournament's role in providing opportunities for preparation and showcasing talent.
"The 2024-25 domestic season is set to kick off tomorrow with the prestigious Duleep Trophy! It's an exciting start as four teams, featuring some of the finest longer format cricketers in the country will go head to head. With a packed red ball calendar ahead for Team India, this tournament is an essential platform for preparation and seizing opportunities. There's something special about red ball cricket-the purest form of the game, and it's great to see the season starting on this strong note. Best of luck to all the players selected. Looking forward to witnessing some outstanding performances in the days to come! @BCCI @BCCIdomestic," he wrote on X.
The Duleep Trophy will see four teams, comprising established international stars and emerging talents from the Indian domestic circuit, compete in the longer format of the game. This year's edition is particularly crucial given the packed red-ball schedule awaiting the Indian national team.
Matches will be hosted across two venues: Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh and the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The tournament provides a valuable opportunity for players to hone their skills in red-ball cricket and stake their claim for a spot in the national team.
Notable Indian players expected to participate in this year's Duleep Trophy include the likes of Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Shubman Gill.
The Duleep Trophy promises to be a closely contested affair, offering fans a glimpse into the future of Indian Test cricket while providing seasoned campaigners with a platform to showcase their skills in the longer format.
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