About Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is India’s national domestic Twenty20 championship, run by the BCCI for state associations.

Why it matters

This tournament sits in a sweet spot on the Indian calendar. It comes in the October-December window and lands shortly before the IPL auction, so it feels like a real trial ground. Franchises watch closely because this is where domestic players can force their way into the conversation. That gives the games an edge. It isn't just another domestic event. Careers can move fast here.

What makes it interesting

The format is simple and good for drama. Thirty-eight teams are split into groups, the best sides go through, and the knockouts do the rest. It has been around since 2006-07, and it was also known as the Inter-State T20 Championship. The name now carries proper cricket history too, because Syed Mushtaq Ali was the first Indian batter to score a Test century overseas.

A tournament that spreads success

One thing I like about this competition is how widely the titles are shared. There isn't one side choking the life out of it. By 2025-26, Tamil Nadu remained the only team with three titles, which tells you how open it has been, and Jharkhand became first time winners in 2025-26. The recent editions have also produced noise of their own. In 2024-25, Baroda smashed 349 for 5 against Sikkim, the highest total in men's T20 cricket at the time, and Tilak Varma made 151, the tournament's highest individual score.

2024-25 season

Jharkhand are the reigning champions (2025-26); Tamil Nadu hold the record with 3 titles. The 2024-25 season is complete: Mumbai won the final on 15 December 2024.

Key facts

First season

2006–07

Organiser

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)

Teams

38 state and institutional teams

When

October–December

Also known as

Inter-State T20 Championship