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Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Format, groups, first-round match schedule, streaming details
The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy kicks off on October 15, featuring 38 teams in two divisions: Elite and Plate. The tournament spans 138 matches until February 2026, with the Elite category having 32 teams.
Koushik Biswas
Oct 08, 2025
Mayank Agarwal will lead the Karnataka side in Ranji Trophy 2025-26.
The senior men’s domestic cricket season in India roars back to life with the commencement of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy starting October 15 across the country. Featuring 38 teams across two divisions, the tournament promises a packed schedule with 138 matches unfolding until February 2026, making it one of the most comprehensive domestic seasons in recent memory.
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Ranji Trophy 2025-26 format and structure
The competition is organized into two tiers: the Elite and the Plate categories.
The Elite category boasts 32 teams grouped into four pools of eight teams each (Elite Groups A, B, C, and D). These teams face off in a single round-robin format within their groups, with each team playing seven matches.
The top two teams from each Elite group will advance to the quarter-finals, resulting in an eight-team knockout stage.
Meanwhile, the Plate category includes six teams in one group, also playing a round-robin format. The leading four Plate teams then move into their own knockout phase to decide the Plate champion and rankings.
Notably, promotion and relegation operate between the tiers, with the lowest-ranked Elite teams relegated and top Plate teams promoted for the following season, heightening stakes throughout the tournament.
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Groups
The groups are regionally and competitively balanced:
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First-Round Match Schedule and Venues
The first round, scheduled from October 15 to 18, 2025, will set the tone with several heated contests across iconic venues:
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Streaming and Broadcast Details
The Ranji Trophy 2025-26 will be streamed LIVE on the JioHotstar app and website, accessible via OTTplay Premium. However, not all of the matches will be streamed.
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