Duleep Trophy 2026-27 to begin August 23

The 63rd edition of the Duleep Trophy is scheduled to begin on August 23, 2026, marking the start of India’s 2026-27 red-ball domestic cricket season. The tournament features six teams: Central Zone, North Zone, West Zone, South Zone, East Zone, and North East Zone.

Defending champions Central Zone, led by Rajat Patidar, will enter the semi-finals alongside runners-up South Zone. The quarter-final matches will feature East Zone against North East Zone and North Zone against West Zone. The tournament will conclude with a final at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai from September 6 to 10.

BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed increased coverage for the event. Matches will be streamed live via the JioHotstar app and website, while television coverage will include one quarter-final, one semi-final, and the final on the Star Sports Network.