Wikipedia - Ranji Trophy

The Ranji Trophy (also known as IDFC First Bank Ranji Trophy for sponsorship reasons) is a premier domestic first-class cricket championship played in India and organized annually by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The teams representing regional and state cricket associations participate. BCCI founded the championship in 1934, Since then it has been organised across various grounds and stadiums in India.

The competition currently consists of 38 teams, with all 28 states in India and four of the eight union territories with at least one team from each. When the tournament was founded, it was named "The Cricket Championship of India", in 1935 it was renamed after Ranjitsinhji, who was the first ever Indian to play international cricket. He played for the England from 1896 to 1902.

The Mumbai cricket team is the most successful team of the tournament, with a record 41 wins to their name.

The Saurashtra cricket team holds the present title of the 2022–23 edition. It defeated Bengal cricket team in the final at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

History

Ranjitsinhji, after whom the tournament is named

The idea of a national level, first class championship tournament was proposed by BCCI's founder A.S. De Mello. The competition was launched following BCCI's meeting at Shimla in July 1934, with the first fixtures taking place in 1934–35 .Initially the tournament was named as 'The cricket championship of India', it later was renamed. The trophy was donated by Bhupinder Singh, the Maharaja of Patiala in memory of Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji, Jam Sahib of Nawanagar who had died the previous year. The first match of the competition was held on 4 November 1934 between Madras and Mysore at the Chepauk ground in Madras (Now Chennai). Mumbai (Bombay) has won the tournament the most times with 41 wins including 15 back-to-back wins from 1958–59 to 1972–73.

In 2015 Paytm became the first company to hold the tournament's title sponsorship right by virtue of BCCI's title sponsorship deal.

The 2020–21 Ranji Trophy tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first season since the tournament's inception that it was not held.

The India Ranji Trophy is a prestigious domestic cricket tournament held in India. Named after the legendary Indian cricketer, Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji, the tournament was established in 1934 and is organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The Ranji Trophy is a first-class cricket competition that brings together teams representing different states and regions of India. It serves as a platform for talented cricketers to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. The tournament follows a round-robin format, where teams play against each other in a league stage, followed by knockout matches leading to the final.

The tournament holds immense significance in Indian cricket as it provides a pathway for players to be selected for the national team. Many renowned Indian cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Virender Sehwag, have honed their skills and gained recognition through their performances in the Ranji Trophy.

The Ranji Trophy is known for its competitive spirit and intense matches. It showcases the rich diversity of cricketing talent across India, with teams representing various states and regions. The tournament is played over a span of several months, with matches held in different venues across the country.

The Ranji Trophy has witnessed some memorable moments and outstanding performances over the years. It has become a breeding ground for young cricketers to make a mark and earn their place in the national team. The tournament also serves as a platform for experienced players to continue their cricketing journey and contribute to the development of the sport in India.

Overall, the India Ranji Trophy is a highly anticipated and revered cricket tournament that celebrates the passion and talent of Indian cricketers. It not only provides a platform for players to excel but also plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian cricket.