Duleep Trophy back to traditional Inter-Zonal format

The BCCI Apex Council on Saturday decided to re-introduce the traditional inter-zonal format for the Duleep Trophy -- the first-class tournament for six regions.

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Last year, the Ajit Agarkar-led national selection committee had picked squads on the basis of players' performance in the Ranji Trophy, where 38 domestic teams competed.

However, North, South, East, West, Central and North-East Zones will now compete for the Duleep Trophy title instead of A, B, C and D teams competing in Challenger Trophy format.