What Is Irani Cup? Format, Teams, History And All You Need To Know
Irani Trophy 2024 sees the battle between Mumbai and ROI [Source: @zeeshan_naiyer2/X]
To the delight of Indian cricket fans, the much-awaited Irani Cup 2024 has kicked off at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. It's a five-day First-Class match, set to be played between October 1st and 5th.
This year's Irani Cup comprises a high-voltage encounter between Mumbai and the Rest of India. While Ajinkya Rahane leads the Mumbai team, stylish top-order batter Ruturaj Gaikwad is captaining the Rest Of India. Recently, Gaikwad grabbed the limelight by leading India A to the Duleep Trophy title, and he is expected to play a vital role for the Rest Of India in this clash.
The History Of Irani Cup: When And How Did The Tournament Begin?
Irani Trophy is named after Zal R. Irani, BCCI's long-serving former president and treasurer. The tournament's origin dates back to 1960 when the BCCI introduced it to commemorate 25 years of the Ranji Trophy, India's most prestigious domestic red-ball tournament. Although it was a one-off match, the governing body decided to hold it every year, making it an annual fixture.
Irani Cup Format: Which Teams Participate In The Competition?
The Irani Cup is played between the Rest of India and the Ranji Trophy title holders every year. For example, the Mumbai cricket team, which won the Ranji Trophy 2024, is facing the Rest Of India, an outfit consisting of India's prominent players, in the tournament's latest edition.
Which Has Been Irani Cup's Most Successful Team?
The Rest of India (ROI) has been more successful than the Ranji Trophy teams in the Irani Trophy. Having featured in every edition, ROI has emerged victorious on 26 out of 61 occasions. Meanwhile, the Mumbai cricket team has made the most appearances in the Irani Trophy among the Ranji Trophy sides, winning the one-off game 12 times.