India’s 2026-27 domestic cricket season is about to pick up pace. After the Duleep Trophy, it’s time for the Irani Cup.
So here’s all you need to know about the Irani Cup 2026 schedule.
But before that, what is the Irani Cup?
So Irani Cup is basically a one-off first-class match. It’s contested between the previous season’s Ranji Trophy winners and a Rest of India squad. It’s like the premier first-class cricket tournament in India.
The cup first took place back in March 1960 to celebrate Ranji Trophy’s 25th anniversary. Since 1962-63, the Irani Cup has been a regular in the domestic circuit. And the cup is named after Zal Irani, former BCCI president and treasurer. (More on Irani Cup’s history here!)
Alright, when is the Irani Cup 2026 fixture?
The 63rd Irani Cup begins on October 1, 2026. Last season’s Ranji winners, Jammu and Kashmir, will face the Rest of India starting at 9:30 AM IST.
What is the venue for the Irani Cup 2026?
Jammu and Kashmir will enjoy the home privilege. They will host the Rest of India team at Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar.
Okay, what is the format of the Irani Cup 2026?
It’s a first-class match played over five days, similar to a Test match. Both teams can bat twice.
And as usual, there are 90 overs per day, with 30 overs per session. There’s also a minimum over rate of 15 overs per hour.
The team that manages an outright win, takes home the Irani Cup. If it’s a draw then the team with the first innings lead wins the cup. (More on Irani Cup format here!)
What about the squads?
India’s senior selectors have picked a well-balanced Rest of India squad. Rishabh Pant leads the side.
It also has a few players with Test experience in Sarfaraz Khan, Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, Manav Suthar and the most recent debutant Saransh Jain. Sarfaraz also serves as Pant’s deputy.
Rest of India Squad vs Jammu and Kashmir:
Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Sanat Sangwan, Shikhar Mohan, Sudip Gharami, Sarfaraz Khan (vc), R Smaran, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Akash Deep*, Mukesh Kumar, Mukesh Choudhary, Aryan Juyal (wk), Aryan Pandey, Anukul Roy, Ayush Doseja
*subject to fitness
Jammu and Kashmir have not yet named their squad.
Finally, where to watch the Irani Cup 2026?
The Irani Cup 2026 will be telecast live on Star Sports Network’s TV channels. Plus, the live-streaming will be available on JioHotstar.
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