The Buchi Babu tournament laid the foundation for domestic Indian cricket tournaments before the iconic Ranji Trophy was introduced. It holds the distinction of being one of India’s oldest domestic cricket competitions, and was introduced in 1909-10. In 2023, the tournament returned after a six-year hiatus.
The History of the Buchi Babu Tournament
The Buchi Babu Tournament is a memorial tournament that began in 1909-10 following the death of Mothavarapu Venkata Mahipathi Naidu, popularly known as Buchi Babu Naidu. Buchi Babu Naidu was a pioneer for Indian cricket during the colonial era, organising cricket clubs for native Indians. He is celebrated as the Father of Cricket in Madras.
The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) took control in the late 1960s, making it an invitational competition. Teams either get invited by TNCA or reach out to participate. The Buchi Babu tournament remained India’s biggest first-class tournament until the advent of the Ranji Trophy in 1934.
The Format of the Buchi Babu Tournament
The Buchi Babu Invitational tournament remains a crucial tournament because it gives domestic cricketers much-needed match practice. It sharpens their skills before the official Indian domestic season begins.
The 2025 edition features 16 teams, divided into four groups. Group stage matches are then carried out between the teams in a three-day format. Each side plays 90 overs each in the first innings and 45 overs each in the second.
The knockout stage matches are a simpler format, conducted over four days. Both sides play 90 overs each in both innings. The tournament runs from August 18 to September 9, 2025, and will be played across multiple venues in Chennai.
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Teams Participating in the 2025 Buchi Babu Tournament
The teams for the Buchi Babu tournament either get invited by TNCA or reach out to participate. This makes it a unique addition to India’s cricketing calendar. Several stars, such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Prithvi Shaw, and Ayush Mhatre, will take part in this year’s edition of the competition.
| Team | Representing |
|---|---|
| TNCA President’s XI | TNCA |
| TNCA XI | TNCA |
| Mumbai | Mumbai CA |
| Railways | Indian Railways |
| Himachal Pradesh | State |
| Chattisgarh | State |
| Maharashtra | State |
| Jammu & Kashmir | State |
| Odisha | State |
| Baroda | State |
| Haryana | State |
| Bengal | State |
| Hyderabad | State |
| Punjab | State |
| Madhya Pradesh | State |
| Jharkhand | State |
The teams are then 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
Conclusion
The Buchi Babu Tournament has long stood as a cradle for nurturing young cricketing talent in India. It offers aspiring players a stage to test themselves against some of the finest domestic competitors.
While it may not always capture the spotlight like international fixtures, its role in shaping future stars and strengthening the grassroots structure of Indian cricket remains invaluable.
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
