Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, If you’re a cricket fan, get ready for a December packed with action. The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 schedule is just around the corner, with the tournament kicking off on December 24, and this season promises a thrilling mix of experience and young energy. With legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma back in domestic action, India’s top 50-over tournament is suddenly the talk of the cricketing world.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this exciting season — from team structures to star players, match venues, and why this year’s edition is being called one of the biggest yet.
What Makes the Vijay Hazare Trophy So Special?
For those new to the tournament, the Vijay Hazare Trophy is India’s premier List A (50-over) domestic cricket competition. Named after legendary Indian batsman Vijay Hazare, it serves as a testing ground for players aiming for the Indian team. Many stars — from MS Dhoni to Ravindra Jadeja — first made their mark here before winning international glory.
This year’s edition feels different. With India’s senior pros returning to domestic cricket, fans finally get the perfect blend of experience and youthful spark on one stage.
Tournament Kick-Off: Dates and Schedule
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, The season officially begins on December 24, right before the year-end holiday buzz, making it a perfect cricketing treat for fans. The early-stage matches will be played through the end of December, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand finale.
And yes — all matches will begin at 9:00 AM IST, ensuring synchronized, full-day action across the venues.
Format Explained: A Balance of Competition and Opportunity
The championship’s structure balances competition with fairness. A total of 38 teams are participating this year, split across two main divisions: Elite and Plate.
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Elite Division: 32 teams divided into four groups (A, B, C, D), each with eight teams.
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Plate Division: 6 teams fighting it out in a single pool.
The top two teams from each Elite group will qualify for the quarterfinals, moving on to the semifinals and finally, the title clash.
Meanwhile, in the Plate group, teams are competing for promotion to the Elite division next season — and yes, relegation still applies. So, every match truly matters.
Defending Champions: Karnataka’s Quest for a Sixth Title
Last year, Karnataka clinched their fifth Vijay Hazare Trophy crown, defeating Vidarbha by 36 runs in an electrifying final. With their balanced squad, strong domestic bench, and proven consistency, Karnataka will again be one of the teams to beat.
Can they repeat their success? Or will a hungry challenger rise to dethrone them? That’s one storyline fans will love following.
Elite Group Division: Who’s Playing Where
Here’s how the tournament’s Elite division looks for 2025–26:
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Group A: Kerala, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Tripura
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Group B: Vidarbha, Hyderabad, Bengal, Baroda, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir
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Group C: Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Mumbai, Uttarakhand, Sikkim
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Group D: Railways, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Saurashtra, Delhi, Services, Odisha
Each group is packed with powerhouse teams, ensuring nail-biting competition right from the first whistle.
Match Venues: Cricket Fever Across India
This season’s matches will unfold across five vibrant cricketing hubs — Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Alur, Jaipur, and Rajkot.
Each of these cities offers ideal conditions for both players and fans. Rajkot’s flat pitches promise high-scoring thrillers, while Jaipur’s winter conditions could challenge batsmen early on. Bengaluru and Ahmedabad — known for their passionate fans — will deliver electric atmospheres throughout the tournament.
The Star Power: When Icons Return Home
Now, let’s talk about the part everyone’s buzzing about — the star players. The list is jaw-dropping this year.
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Virat Kohli will represent Delhi in Elite Group D.
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Rohit Sharma, India’s captain and Mumbai’s pride, has confirmed his presence for Mumbai’s first two games — against Sikkim (Dec 24) and Uttarakhand (Dec 26) in Jaipur.
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Rishabh Pant, returning to full fitness, will play for Delhi and use this opportunity to regain rhythm ahead of international duty.
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Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav are all set to make waves for Punjab and Mumbai respectively.
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And of course, hometown hero Ravindra Jadeja will bring experience and charisma to Saurashtra’s campaign.
The mix of established superstars and rising prodigies ensures that fans will witness not just competition, but moments of magic too.
Young Guns to Keep an Eye On
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, While veterans will naturally grab headlines, the Vijay Hazare Trophy has always been a platform for fresh faces. Expect breakouts from youngsters like Abhishek Sharma (Punjab), who’s been in smashing form, and fast-bowling sensations from Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, aiming to impress selectors.
Remember how Ruturaj Gaikwad turned heads in this tournament before breaking into Team India? There’s every chance we’ll see similar stories this time too.
Why This Year’s Edition Feels Different
There’s an air of anticipation around the 2025–26 season — and for good reason. Over the past few years, many top cricketers skipped domestic action due to busy international schedules. This time, seeing them return has re-energized both fans and teammates.
It’s not just about the trophy anymore; it’s about auditions for the 2026 ICC Champions Trophy and 2027 World Cup. Performances here could literally shape India’s ODI lineup for years to come.
Broadcast and Fan Access
Although the full broadcast lineup is yet to be officially released, fans can expect both live streaming and digital highlights through BCCI’s partners and major sports platforms. Social media will also carry player-centric updates, giving domestic cricket the limelight it truly deserves.
If you live near one of the host cities, mark your calendar — local ticket availability means you might just catch Virat or Rohit live in action!
The Bigger Picture
The Vijay Hazare Trophy has always been more than a domestic cup. It’s a mirror of India’s future cricketing depth. From underdog stories to national debuts, it breeds the next generation of international stars. And with a structure that rewards consistency and growth, it keeps every state team invested and improving.
This year, the stakes are even higher. With the next ICC tournaments in sight and a new wave of domestic players bursting through, the competition will shape India’s white-ball roadmap for the future.
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Conclusion
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 isn’t just another domestic cricket event — it’s a celebration of Indian cricket at its core. With experienced legends mentoring young guns, five vibrant venues ready to roar, and 38 determined teams chasing glory, we’re in for a cricketing festival like no other.
So, clear your schedule, grab your chai, and tune in this December. Because when India’s best come together for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, you can be sure of one thing — it’s not just cricket; it’s pure passion on display.
