Mumbai, Sep 11: The Irani Cup 2024-25 to be played between last season Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai and the Rest of India will be hosted in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) from October 1.
Earlier, it was scheduled to be held in Mumbai. But considering weather conditions in Mumbai, which is going through an extended rainy season in the last couple of years, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to relocate the Irani Trophy to Lucknow, revealed reports on Wednesday.
Reacting on the rescheduling of the match, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) secretary Arvind Kumar Srivastava stated they are all excited to host the Irani Cup. It would be the first time Irani Cup will be played in Lucknow.
It can be recalled that as per the schedule, this year the Irani Cup starts on the final day of the India-Bangladesh Second Test in Kanpur. Therefore, players, who would be part of India's Test squad for the Kanpur match, won't feature in the Irani Cup.
In last year's Ranji Trophy summit clash, Mumbai defeated Vidarbha by 169 runs at the Wankhede Stadium to win their 42nd title.
Last year, the Irani Cup was won by Rest of India, who beat previous year's Ranji champions Saurashtra by 175 runs.
It is worth mentioning that the ZR Irani Cup is also known as the Irani Trophy. It is an annual first-class cricket match organised by the BCCI and is played each season by the reigning Ranji Trophy champions and a multi-state Rest of India team.
