Ranji Trophy to begin on October 11 as BCCI announces 1,788-match domestic schedule

Key points

• The BCCI on Wednesday unveiled an expansive domestic calendar for the 2026-27 season, with a staggering 1,788 matches scheduled across men’s and women’s cricket, spanning senior, U-23, U-19 and U-16 categories.
• The season will begin with the Duleep Trophy on August 23 and continue through March 2027, underlining the board’s continued emphasis on strengthening India’s domestic structure.
• The upcoming season will feature several structural tweaks and scheduling changes, including the return of the Col.
• C.K.
• Nayudu Trophy Winners vs Rest of India fixture, the conversion of select U-23 tournaments into T20 competitions, and neutral knockout venues for the Cooch Behar Trophy.