The Irani Cup, also known as the Irani Trophy, is a prestigious one-off annual first-class cricket match played between the current Ranji Trophy champions and the Rest of India (ROI) team. It was first introduced in the 1959-60 season to mark the 25th anniversary of the Ranji Trophy, and due to its popularity, it became a regular fixture from 1962 onwards.
The match is named in honor of Z.R. Irani, who was an important figure in Indian cricket, serving as the treasurer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and later its president. The Irani Cup is unique because it pits the best domestic team (the Ranji champions) against a team composed of standout players from other states, offering a highly competitive fixture.
What Makes It Special?
The Irani Cup serves as a showcase for top domestic talent, especially those who are knocking on the doors of the national team. The Rest of India (ROI) team consists of players from across various state teams who have performed exceptionally well in the domestic circuit. This format provides a platform for players to display their skills against the champions of the Ranji Trophy, making it a high-stakes, competitive encounter.
Historical Significance
The tournament is one of the most sought-after domestic trophies in India, with a long history of elite cricketers participating. It has also served as a stage for players to push for national selection and a platform for those returning from injury to prove their fitness. Over the years, many top cricketers have used the Irani Cup as a stepping stone to national glory.
Recent Developments
The latest edition of the Irani Cup will see Mumbai, the current Ranji Trophy champions, take on the Rest of India from October 1 to October 5 at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium. In recent years, teams like Vidarbha, Karnataka, and Saurashtra have emerged as strong contenders, making the competition more exciting.
The last edition, held in 2023/24, saw the Rest of India defeat Saurashtra, continuing a trend where the Rest of India team has often come out on top in these high-profile matches.
Key Features of the Irani Cup:
- Established: 1959-60
- Format: One-off first-class match
- Teams: Ranji Trophy champions vs Rest of India (ROI)
- Named after: Z.R. Irani, a former BCCI president and treasurer
- Purpose: To celebrate Ranji Trophy winners and give top domestic players more exposure
- Recent Winner: Rest of India (2023/24) against Saurashtra
Notable Moments:
- The competition was initially designed as a one-time celebration but became an annual fixture due to its popularity.
- Bombay (now Mumbai) has been the most successful team historically, with multiple victories.
- The match has been cancelled or postponed a few times, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With such a rich history and fierce competition, the Irani Cup remains one of the most anticipated events in Indian domestic cricket.