The BCCI has confirmed the 2026-27 domestic cricket calendar, with the Ranji Trophy set to begin on October 11 in a split two-phase format as part of an expansive season featuring 1,788 matches across age groups and both genders.
Quick Answer / Key Update
India’s premier first-class competition, the Ranji Trophy, will run in two phases for the 2026-27 season: the first from October 11 to November 5, 2026, and the second from January 17 to March 3, 2027. The Elite division features 32 teams across four groups, with six teams competing in the Plate division. Jammu and Kashmir enter as defending champions.
What Happened?
The BCCI announced its full 2026-27 domestic schedule, which opens with the Duleep Trophy from August 23 to September 10, followed by the Irani Cup from October 1 to 5. The Ranji Trophy then begins on October 11, continuing the board’s split-season structure designed to manage player workload and protect teams from harsh winter conditions in northern India.
Latest Update
After the Ranji Trophy’s first phase concludes on November 5, the domestic calendar shifts to white-ball cricket, with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy running from November 14 to December 6, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy following from December 14 to January 8, 2027. The Ranji Trophy then resumes for its second phase and knockout rounds between January 17 and March 3, 2027.
Why Is This Trending?
The scheduling of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy ahead of the IPL mega-auction in December is designed to give franchises a fresh look at domestic T20 talent before the auction, making the tournament a key event for players hoping to catch selectors’ attention.
Key Details
Ranji Trophy Phase 1: October 11 – November 5, 2026 Ranji Trophy Phase 2: January 17 – March 3, 2027 Elite Division: 32 teams in 4 groups Plate Division: 6 teams Defending Champions: Jammu and Kashmir Total Matches in 2026-27 Season: 1,788 across all age groups and genders
Other Domestic Tournaments
Alongside the Ranji Trophy, the season includes the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) and Vijay Hazare Trophy (50-over), with league matches for the Mushtaq Ali Trophy split across Mumbai, Mohali, Vizag and Kolkata, and its knockouts held in Nagpur.
What Happens Next?
The domestic season kicks off with the Duleep Trophy in August, before the Ranji Trophy’s first phase begins on October 11, setting the stage for a busy year of first-class and white-ball domestic cricket across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 start?
The first phase begins on October 11, 2026, and runs until November 5.
Who are the defending Ranji Trophy champions?
Jammu and Kashmir are the defending champions, having won their first title in the 2025-26 season.
How many teams are in the Ranji Trophy Elite division?
32 teams compete in the Elite division, split into four groups, with 6 teams in the Plate division.
When is the second phase of the Ranji Trophy?
The second phase runs from January 17 to March 3, 2027.
Final Takeaway
The 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season promises a packed calendar, with defending champions Jammu and Kashmir starting their title defence on October 11 as India’s domestic cricket structure continues to balance red-ball and white-ball formats across a long season.
