Irani Cup: Shaping future of Indian Cricket Team

The system of domestic cricket in India is very organized as it provides ample opportunities to players. The national board ensures players at all levels and under all age categories get sufficient chances to develop their skill and to grow as a player. It has trophies at Under 15, Under 19, Under 23 and at senior level, and that too, for both men and women players. Hence, the domestic circuit here in India ensures that the sport grows at a good pace and in the right direction. Major trophies conducted by BCCI are: Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Irani Cup etc. 

We have already talked about the first three, but today, In this article by ZAP cricket, we will discuss about the Irani Cup in detail. 

What is Irani Cup?

Irani Cup is a first class cricket match organised by the BCCI between the Ranji Trophy champion team and Rest of India team. The cup is named after Mr. Zal R. Irani, who was the treasurer and president of BCCI in 1966-69. Whichever team grabs the Ranji Trophy title eventually gets selected as one of the teams in Irani Cup. Although, the second team comprises of all the players who have performed well for their respective teams in league matches of Ranji Trophy. Hence, best players from the length and breadth of the country are picked in the Rest of India squad. 

Irani Cup is usually scheduled immediately after the Ranji Trophy final. With such cut throat competition, these matches ensure that the best players in the country compete against each other. Performing well here always counts as selectors closely follow such matches.

The Inaugural season of Irani Cup was held in 1960 and the second one in 1962. Since then it is held in almost every season. It was played for the first time to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Ranji trophy. 

Irani Cup statistics and records 

Most runs- Wasim Jaffer (1,294) 

Most wickets- Padmakar Shivalkar (51)

Most appearances by a single state- Mumbai(29), followed by Karnataka (8) and Delhi (7)

Total editions so far- 61

Most successful team- Rest of India (won 30 times)

Highest total- 800/7d by Vidarbha

Lowest total- 79 by Saurashtra 

Highest score- Wasim Jaffer (286 off 431 balls)

Most hundreds- DB Vengasarkar (4)

Most five wicket Hauls- Padmakar Shivalkar (4)

Most catches- AL Wadekar (14)

Most dismissals- NR Mongia (26)

Highest partnership- Abhinav Mukund and Shikhar Dhawan (310 vs Rajasthan)

Irani Cup 2024 

Teams in Irani Cup 2024: 

Playing XI Mumbai: Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Hardik Tamore, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Mohit Avasthi, Shardul Thakur, Junaid Khan

Playing XI Rest of India: Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Chand, Yash Dayal, Prasidh Krishna, Ishan, Saransh Jain, Mj Suthar, Mukesh Kumar 

Match venue: Ekana Stadium, Lucknow 

Match result of Irani cup 2024

The 2024 edition of Irani Cup was a special one for all the Mumbaikars as they clinched the title after 27 years. Match between Mumbai and the Rest of India started on 1st October. Rest of India won the toss and elected to field. 

Despite losing the toss, Mumbai made sure that they dominate right from the start. Captain Ajinkya Rahane scored crucial 97 off 234, then, Shreya Iyer continued that momentum by playing a compact knock of 57 off 84 balls. After a perfect start, star player Sarfaraz Khan played one of his finest innings as he scored a double century (222 off 286). Lastly, finishing touches were provided by Tanush Kotian who had put 64 runs on board off 124 balls. With all the individual contributions, Rest of India were way behind in the competition as they had to chase 537 after the end of first innings.

However, they didn’t give up their hopes as Abhimanyu Esawaran replied back with a solid 191 off 292 balls. Later, Dhruv Jurel made some handy contributions by scoring 93 coming down the order. Despite a few quick collapses, ROI managed to score 416. 

As the second innings started, Mumbai were on top of the game as they already had a gigantic lead. Prithvi Shaw returned in form as he managed to score a compact 76. Lastly, Tanush Kotian made sure that his team crossed the finishing line as scored a century in the second innings. 

In bowling department, Mukesh Kumar, took a fifer in the first innings and Saransh Jain took six wickets in the second innings. Both of them were playing for ROI. But clearly Mumbai batters outplayed the opposition. Ultimately, with all the grind and hardwork of five days, Mumbai won the game as they had the first innings lead. MCA and the entire squad must be delighted as they managed to create history, yet again! 

Irani cup 2023

The 2023 edition of Irani Cup was played between Saurashtra and Rest of India in Rajkot and was eventually won by the latter team with a huge margin of 175 runs. Saurabh Kumar (ROI) was awarded as the player of the match as he clinched 10 wickets in two innings. Notable contributions were made by Sai Sudarsan and Arpit Vasavasa as they both managed to score a half century for their respective teams. 

Squads of Irani Cup in 2023

Saurashtra: Jaydev Unadkat(c), Parth Bhut, Harvik Desai, Yuvrajsinh Dodiya, Sheldon Jackson, Dharmendrasi Jadega, Vishvaraj Jadega, Chirag Jani, Jay Gohil, Devang Karamta, Prerek Mankad, Snell Patel, Kushang Patel, Cheteshwar Pujara, Arpit Vasavada, Samarth Vyas

Rest of India: Hanuma Vihari(c), Mayank Aggarwal, Akash Deep, KS Bharat, Yash Dhull, Dhruv Jurel, Vidwath Kaverappa, Sarfaraz Khan, Rohan Kunnummal, Shams Mulani, Pulkit Narang, Sai Sudarsan, Navdeep Saini, Saurabh Kumar, Yash Dayal

How does the Irani Cup help in grooming players? 

Such matches bring the cream of domestic cricketers under the same radar. The best players compete against each other and thus, it ensures five days of quality cricket. Moreover, performing here boosts confidence of an individual player and hence it is a validation of one’s caliber. 

This cup is played with red ball, hence, it promotes days cricket at domestic level as well. Players get good exposure and they get ready for challenges at international level as well. Not only that, It provides huge benefits to the entire cricket fraternity and hence BCCI should ensure that best crop participates in Irani Cup.