BCCI introduces new promotion-relegation rule in Ranji Trophy

The 2025–26 Ranji Trophy will be held from October 15 to February 28 in two phases, with a tweaked format that will see the promotion and relegation of one team from the Plate Group. Earlier, two sides were promoted and relegated at the end of the tournament. The BCCI took its decision in its Apex Council meeting on Saturday, June 14.

Back in 2018–19, the BCCI had added nine teams to the Ranji Trophy, including teams from the North East, but that has impacted the quality of cricket in the premier domestic competition. Meghalaya played in the Ranji Trophy Elite division but lost all their seven games last season.

“All multi-day men's tournaments (senior and junior), 1 team will be promoted



and 1 team will be relegated for the 2026–27 season grouping,” read a BCCI note in PTI’s possession.

The format change in red-ball cricket will apply to all BCCI tournaments across age groups.

The first phase of the Ranji Trophy will be played from October 15 to November 19, while the second phase will run from January 22 to February 1. The knockouts will be played from February 6 to 28.

The Duleep Trophy, which returns to the zonal format, will mark the start of the season and will run from August 28 to September 15. “The team will be picked by the Zonal Selection Committee,” the BCCI added.

The Irani Cup will run from October 1 to 5.