Board matches by BCCI: Shaping future of Indian Cricket Team

Board of Control for Cricket in India is the governing body that controls all the cricketing activities in the country. It is responsible for the development of the sport as it ensures smooth functioning of matches in the country. Also, it plays a major role in nurturing talent. The board conducts regular matches for both men and women at various age levels. The entire system of matches is well organized as a number of people are involved at various levels like Umpires, Referees, Scorers etc. It is also ensured that a sufficient number of matches are conducted at various levels and across all the formats. Today, in this article by ZAP cricket, we will discuss this structured system of board cricket in India. Along with that, we will discuss various types of tournaments that are conducted during the season. 

Tournaments for men 

Senior Men 

There are majorly three tournaments for senior men’s in the domestic circuit. These matches are of paramount importance as player’s for internationals are picked based on their performance here. These tournaments are Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. While Ranji Trophy is red ball cricket, the other two are white ball

The good part of the Senior category is that there is no age barrier. Anyway whoever holds the caliber to play at this level can participate. Recently, a young gun from Bihar- Vaibhav Suryavanshi made his first class debut. He is only 12 years old but, but it’s his abilities that’s making him shine at this level.

Under 23 Men

After the senior men’s tournament, it's the Under 23 tournament. Players who are below 23 years of age are eligible to participate. These tournaments include: Col. CK Nayudu Trophy and Men’s Under 23 State A Troph. The former is a red ball tournament and the latter is white ball tournament. It shall be noted that there are no T20 tournaments for men participating at this level. 

The Col. CK Nayudu Trophy was named after India’s first test captain- Colonel CK Nayudu. Like all other championships, 38 teams participate here as well. 

Under 19 Men 

At men’s junior level cricket, BCCI conducts Vinoo Mankad Trophy and Cooch Behar Trophy. Based on performance in these tournaments, young budding cricketers are selected for Under 19 World Cup and bilateral series. While Vinoo Mankad Trophy is a one day cricket tournament, Cooch Behar Trophy is a multi day tournament. 

Like most of the other tournaments, Vinoo Mankad Trophy is also named after a Indian cricketer- Vinoo Makand. He is former captain of India test cricket team who has featured in 44 Test matches.

Under 16 Men

Vijay Merchant Trophy is a tournament for Under 16 boys. This tournament is majorly conducted to provide exposure to junior players. The trophy is named after Vijay Singh Madhavji Merchant. He played cricket for India and his batting average was 71.64, which is second highest in the world. 

Tournaments for women 

Senior women

For senior women’s cricket two tournaments are conducted: Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and Senior Women’s One Day Trophy. Women’s cricket does not have days cricket at state level as of now. Hence, only two tournaments are conducted for them. These tournaments are of equal importance as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy and hence performance here is counted as selectors keep a close eye on all the matches here. 

Under 23 Trophy 

Women’s Under 23 T20 Trophy and Women’s Under 23 One Day Trophy are two trophies organised for women below age 23. Some good quality women’s cricket is watched here as the players participating here are looking to make their spot in the senior team.

Under 19 women 

At junior level, BCCI conducts Women’s Under 19 T20 Trophy  and Women’s Under 19 One Day Trophy. Like in men’s cricket, performance here makes one eligible for the Under 19 Indian Team. India won the first Women’s Under 19 World Cup in 2023 and the primary reason for that was good quality cricket at domestic level. 

Under 15 women

Women’s Under 15 One Day Trophy is a new introduced format seeing the growth of women's cricket in India. Earlier, the junior most level was Under 19. But now, as more and more girls are participating, this format has been added in the domestic calendar.

Zonal level matches 

One can earn a call in zonal level matches only performing well in inter state matches. Following are the tournaments which are organised at this level:

• Duleep Trophy
• Irani Cup 
• Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy
• Senior Women’s One Day Challenger Trophy 
• Senior Women’s Multi Day Challenger Trophy 
• Women’s Under 19 Challenger Trophy