The Duleep Trophy will return to its traditional inter-zonal format, reviving the battle between six teams—North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, West Zone, Central Zone, and North-East Zone. According to Cricbuzz, the 2025-26 edition is scheduled to be played in Bengaluru this September. The move comes after concerns from state associations over the previous four-team format—India A, B, C, and D—where national selectors handpicked squads. While the old structure attracted international stars, many felt it lacked regional identity. The return of zonal teams restores the essence of the competition, offering a platform for players to represent their regions and push for higher honors. The inter-zonal format was a long-standing tradition until 2016, when the tournament shifted to a three-team structure featuring squads picked by selectors. This change aimed to enhance competitiveness but diluted the regional pride associated with the event. The upcoming edition seeks to strike a balance between history and performance. Read also: MS Dhoni Opens Up on CSK Captaincy Change & Gaikwad’s Role Women's World Cup venues finalized Meanwhile, the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup is set to take place across five venues—Indore, Visakhapatnam, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, and Mullanpur. The tournament will run from late September to early November, featuring eight teams vying for the title. Pakistan, currently preparing for the World Cup qualifiers, remains a key factor in venue discussions. If they secure qualification, an additional venue may be considered. This stems from the agreement between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), ensuring neutral venues for ICC events during the 2024-27 cycle. Adding to the cricketing excitement, Guwahati is set to make history by hosting its first-ever Test match during South Africa’s tour of India later this year. The series opener will be played in New Delhi, followed by the second Test in Guwahati, marking another milestone for the city.