India
The Ranji Trophy is the premier domestic first-class cricket championship played in India. It was introduced in 1934-35 and is organized annually by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The tournament was named after KS Ranjitsinhji, an Indian prince and a fine batsman who played for England.
The pathway to the Ranji Trophy, a premier domestic first-class cricket championship in India, involves several steps. First, join a local cricket club or association to learn and improve as a player. Participate in association-sponsored tournaments, district-level tournaments, and inter-district tournaments to showcase your skills and performance. Get selected by a state team and then participate in the Ranji Trophy, representing your regional association or state team. Excel in the Ranji Trophy to catch the attention of selectors and potentially move up the cricketing ladder, including the possibility of being selected for the national team.
It serves as a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing cricketing talent in India, similar to the role of county cricket in England. The competition involves various regional cricket boards and government teams, as well as teams associated with government enterprises. The Ranji Trophy has gained vast popularity over the years and has been held annually since its inception, with a total of 32 teams participating in the 2022-23 season.