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Wikipedia - Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a domestic Twenty20 cricket championship in India, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It is named after former Test cricketer Syed Mushtaq Ali.
It is played by the teams from the Ranji Trophy, which is the premier domestic first-class cricket championship in the country. In 2006–07, the inaugural competition was won by Tamil Nadu under the captaincy of Dinesh Karthik. The 2024–25 tournament was won by Mumbai, who defeated Madhya Pradesh in the final. Tamil Nadu has been the most successful team, winning the trophy three times.
History
The tournament is played under Twenty20 (T20) rules. Originally known as the Inter-State T20 Championship, it was inaugurated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the 2006–07 season. Except in 2016–17, the tournament has been contested by teams involved in the Ranji Trophy, 27 at first and currently (2023) 38. The format begun with a round-robin stage with the teams divided into zonal groups, with the top teams in each group qualifying for a knockout stage culminating in the final tie. In 2012–13, the BCCI decided to replace the knockout with a Super League consisting of two groups, the winners of which qualified for the final. In June 2016, the BCCI relaunched the competition using zonal teams, as in the Duleep Trophy, but they reverted to the Ranji teams in 2017. Since then, the number of competing teams have increased to 38 and the knockout stage has been restored.
Typically held annually, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy serves as a platform for players to demonstrate their skills in the shortest format of the game, often catching the attention of national selectors and franchise teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The tournament follows a league format, culminating in knockout stages, where teams compete fiercely for the coveted title.
With its fast-paced matches and thrilling performances, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy not only entertains cricket fans but also plays a crucial role in the development of young cricketers, providing them with invaluable experience and exposure on a national stage. The tournament has become a significant part of India's cricketing calendar, contributing to the rich tapestry of the sport in the country.