The Buchi Babu Trophy returns in 2025, staging a thrilling cricket showdown in Chennai from August 18 to September 9.
With 16 teams competing, including TNCA’s President’s XI and TNCA XI, alongside top state and institutional sides, this historic invitational tournament brings rich tradition with emerging talent.
Matches will test skills across group stages and knockout rounds, all played at iconic local grounds.
Sponsored by TAKE Sports and streamed live on TNCA’s YouTube channel, the event offers cricket fans a front-row seat to intense, multi-day contests.
Whether you follow domestic cricket closely or just love a good game, here’s your complete guide to the 2025 Buchi Babu Trophy.
What is the Buchi Babu Trophy?
The Buchi Babu All India Invitation Cricket Tournament stands as one of India’s most prestigious domestic cricket competitions, tracing its origins back to 1909.
Named after Buchi Babu Naidu, a pioneering figure in Indian cricket, this tournament predates even the Ranji Trophy and was considered India’s premier domestic competition before 1934.
Cricket legends including Sunil Gavaskar, Krishnamachari Srikkanth, Mohammad Azharuddin, and Sourav Ganguly have graced this tournament throughout its storied history.
After a six-year hiatus, the tournament made a triumphant return in 2024 and continues to serve as a vital preparatory platform for India’s domestic season.
The tournament’s significance extends beyond mere competition; it represents Tamil Nadu’s rich cricketing heritage while providing emerging talents with invaluable exposure against seasoned professionals.
TAKE Sports’ sponsorship for the third consecutive year underscores the tournament’s growing commercial appeal and commitment to nurturing cricket talent across the nation.
Teams Participating in Buchi Babu Trophy 2025
The 2025 edition features 16 powerhouse teams split into four competitive groups, each containing four teams:
| Team | Representing |
|---|---|
| TNCA President’s XI | TNCA |
| TNCA XI | TNCA |
| Mumbai | Mumbai CA |
| Railways | Indian Railways |
| Himachal Pradesh | State |
| Chhattisgarh | State |
| Maharashtra | State |
| Jammu & Kashmir | State |
| Odisha | State |
| Baroda | State |
| Haryana | State |
| Bengal | State |
| Hyderabad | State |
| Punjab | State |
| Madhya Pradesh | State |
| Jharkhand | State |
TNCA has strategically fielded two squads, President’s XI captained by R. Sai Kishore and TNCA XI led by Pradosh Ranjan Paul, maximising local talent exposure and strengthening the tournament’s competitive depth.
Mumbai’s return under young CSK star Ayush Mhatre’s captaincy, featuring experienced campaigner Sarfaraz Khan, adds significant star power to an already formidable lineup.
Format and Groups in Buchi Babu Trophy 2025
The tournament employs a structured format designed to maximize competitive balance and showcase talent effectively. Teams are distributed across four groups:
- Group A: TNCA President’s XI, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra
- Group B: Railways, Jammu & Kashmir, Baroda, Odisha
- Group C: TNCA XI, Mumbai, Haryana, Bengal
- Group D: Hyderabad, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand
The league phase features round-robin competition within each group, with every team playing three matches against group opponents.
These league encounters are contested over three days, with the first innings limited to 90 overs and the second innings to 45 overs, ensuring both tactical depth and decisive results.
Schedule and Venues of Buchi Babu Trophy 2025
The tournament unfolds across Chennai’s premier cricket venues over three intensive weeks.
| Month | Dates | Fixture / Stage | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | 18–20 | Round 1: TNCA President’s XI vs Himachal PradeshTNCA XI vs Mumbai | Gojan College A GroundGojan College B Ground |
| August 2025 | 22–24 | Round 2: Group stage matches | Various TNCA-approved venues |
| August 2025 | 26–28 | Round 3: Final group standings & semifinal qualifications | Various TNCA-approved venues |
| Aug–Sep 2025 | 31 Aug – 3 Sep | Semifinals: Knockout phase | To be announced based on team progressions |
| September 2025 | 6–9 | Final: Championship decider | To be announced based on semifinal results |
The 2025 TNCA tournament runs from mid-August to early September, starting with group-stage matches that set the stage for team rankings and knockout qualifications.
Subsequent rounds continue the competitive action, testing squads’ consistency and strategies.
The semifinals, held at the end of August and early September, determine the finalists, culminating in the championship final.
Venues for the knockout phase are announced based on team progressions, ensuring flexibility and fairness while maintaining excitement for players and fans alike throughout the tournament.
Prize Money and Sponsorships in Buchi Babu Trophy 2025
Champions will claim ₹3 lakh in prize money, while runners-up receive ₹2 lakh, providing meaningful rewards for exceptional performances throughout the competition.
TAKE Sports continues as the title sponsor for the third consecutive year, demonstrating sustained commercial confidence in the tournament’s value proposition.
Their investment supports enhanced player development initiatives, improved event infrastructure, and expanded promotional activities.
The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association’s YouTube channel serves as the official streaming partner, ensuring global accessibility without subscription barriers.
Local sponsors further contribute to support for venue management and player amenities.
Past Winners of Buchi Babu Trophy
Recent championship history reveals the tournament’s competitive unpredictability and evolving power dynamics:
| Year | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Hyderabad | Chhattisgarh |
| 2023 | Madhya Pradesh | Delhi |
The tournament’s revival has witnessed shifting dominance patterns, with newer teams like Hyderabad and Madhya Pradesh claiming recent titles while traditional powerhouses continue demonstrating consistent competitive strength.
This balance between emerging and established cricketing regions exemplifies the tournament’s role in democratising domestic cricket excellence.
Historical records showcase how the competition has consistently produced future stars who later excel in national cricket, maintaining its reputation as a crucial talent identification platform.
Buchi Babu Trophy 2025: How to Watch – Live Streaming & Broadcast
Cricket Fans worldwide can access comprehensive coverage through the Tamil Nadu ,Cricket Association’s official YouTube channel, which provides free live streaming of all matches without geographical restrictions.
This digital-first approach ensures international accessibility while maintaining cost-free viewing for fans across India and beyond.
The streaming platform offers multi-camera coverage, expert commentary, and real-time score updates, delivering professional broadcast quality comparable to premium cricket telecasts.
Additional broadcast partnerships may be announced closer to the tournament, potentially expanding television coverage and enhancing viewer engagement through multiple platforms.
Importance of the Buchi Babu Trophy in Indian Domestic Cricket
The tournament serves as an essential bridge between off-season preparation and the demanding domestic cricket calendar.
Players utilise this platform to fine-tune techniques, test form, and build match fitness ahead of crucial Ranji Trophy and other domestic competitions.
Emerging talents particularly benefit from competing alongside seasoned professionals, gaining invaluable experience in high-pressure situations while scouts and selectors evaluate performances for future opportunities.
Tamil Nadu’s cricketing infrastructure receives significant exposure through hosting duties, reinforcing the state’s position as a cricket development hub.
This prestigious invitational format also fosters healthy competition among India’s diverse cricketing regions.
Conclusion: The 2025 Buchi Babu Trophy is scheduled to begin on August 18!
The Buchi Babu Trophy 2025 promises to be a milestone in India’s domestic cricket calendar.
With a competitive field of 16 teams, a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and rising stars, and a challenging format, this tournament offers both high-quality cricket and a celebration of Tamil Nadu’s cricket heritage.
Supported by TAKE Sports and easily accessible via live streaming, it is set to captivate fans from August 18 through early September.
Get ready for exciting performances, close finishes, and the crowning of our next champion in this prestigious invitational! Don’t miss a moment of the action.
FAQs
16 teams are competing, divided into four groups of four teams each for the 2025 tournament.
Group stage features 3-day matches; semifinals and final are 4-day games from August 18 to September 9.
All matches are streamed live for free on the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association’s official YouTube channel.
Champions receive ₹3 lakh, while runners-up get ₹2 lakh in the 2025 edition.
Recent winners include Hyderabad (2024), Madhya Pradesh (2023), Karnataka XI (2022), and Tamil Nadu XI (2021).
It offers vital competitive exposure to emerging talent and prepares players for the domestic season.
