The Buchi Babu Tournament, named after M. Buchi Babu Naidu, the “Father of Madras Cricket,” is a historic first-class cricket tournament organized by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). Dating back to 1908, it has been a launchpad for cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Sourav Ganguly.
The 2025 edition promises intense competition, featuring top domestic teams and star players like Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan. This guide covers the Buchi Babu Tournament 2025 schedule, venues, ticketing, and more to ensure fans don’t miss a moment of the action.
From live scores to local travel tips, we’ve included practical advice for both local and visiting fans. Stay tuned for a deep dive into the tournament’s schedule, stadium facilities, and nearby attractions.
Key Hillights
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Historic first-class tournament named after M. Buchi Babu Naidu (“Father of Madras Cricket”)
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Organized by TNCA since 1908
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Launchpad for legends like Gavaskar and Ganguly
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2025 edition features stars like Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan
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Runs August-September 2025 (tentative)
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4-day red-ball format
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12 teams across 4 groups
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Key matches: Mumbai vs Haryana, TNCA XI vs Mumbai
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Venues: MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), NPR College Ground (Dindigul), SCF Ground (Salem)
Buchi Babu Tournament 2025 Schedule: Your Ultimate Guide to Matches, Venues, and More
The Buchi Babu Tournament 2025 is expected to run from August to September 2025, following the traditional four-day red-ball format. While the official schedule is yet to be confirmed, based on previous editions, matches will likely span three to four weeks, with league stages, semi-finals, and a grand finale.
The 2024 edition, which ran from August 15 to September 11, featured 12 teams across four groups, and a similar structure is anticipated for 2025.
The tournament is a vital preparatory platform for the domestic season, including the Ranji Trophy. With matches hosted in iconic Tamil Nadu venues like the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium fans can expect a blend of tradition and excitement. Whether you’re attending live or streaming online this article provides all the details you need.
Expected Schedule Overview
|
Round |
Dates (Tentative) |
Key Matches |
Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
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Round 1 |
August 15–18, 2025 |
Mumbai vs Haryana, Madhya Pradesh vs Jharkhand |
Chennai, Tirunelveli |
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Round 2 |
August 21–24, 2025 |
TNCA XI vs Mumbai, Jharkhand vs Hyderabad |
Coimbatore, Salem |
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Round 3 |
August 27–30, 2025 |
Mumbai vs TNCA XI, Baroda vs Chhattisgarh |
Dindigul, Natham |
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Semi-Finals |
September 2–5, 2025 |
Top teams from each group |
Tirunelveli, Natham |
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Final |
September 8–11, 2025 |
Winner of Semi-Final 1 vs Semi-Final 2 |
Natham |
Note: Dates and matches are tentative based on the 2024 schedule. Check the TNCA website for official updates.
Key fixtures to watch include high-profile clashes like Mumbai vs Haryana, featuring stars like Suryakumar Yadav, and TNCA XI vs Mumbai, a fan favorite. The tournament’s format ensures competitive group-stage matches, culminating in intense knockout rounds.
Venues for the Buchi Babu Tournament 2025
The tournament will be hosted across Tamil Nadu’s top cricket venues, with the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as the centerpiece. Other likely venues include NPR College Ground in Dindigul, SCF Cricket Ground in Salem, and grounds in Tirunelveli and Natham. Each venue offers unique facilities and a vibrant atmosphere for fans.
M.A. Chidambaram Stadium: The Heart of Tamil Nadu Cricket
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Location: Chepauk, Chennai
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Capacity: 50,000
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Key Features: Floodlights, modern seating, and a rich history hosting international and IPL matches.
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Notable Matches: The 1986 Tied Test between India and Australia remains a highlight.
This iconic stadium, home to the Chennai Super Kings, is known for its electric atmosphere and passionate crowds. Its proximity to Chennai’s cultural landmarks makes it a must-visit for cricket fans.
Other Key Venues
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NPR College Ground, Dindigul: A scenic venue with a 15,000 capacity, ideal for domestic matches.
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SCF Cricket Ground, Salem: A compact 10,000-seat stadium with fan-friendly amenities.
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Tirunelveli and Natham Grounds: Smaller venues hosting league and knockout matches, offering an intimate viewing experience.
Travel Tips for Fans
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Book Early: Secure tickets for M.A. Chidambaram Stadium matches, as they sell out quickly.
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Public Transport: Use Chennai’s MRTS or metro to reach Chepauk; cabs are also convenient.
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Arrive Early: Gates open two hours before matches; arrive early to avoid crowds.
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Local Cuisine: Try local favorites like dosa and filter coffee at nearby eateries like Murugan Idli Shop.
How to Book Tickets for Buchi Babu Tournament 2025
Securing tickets for the Buchi Babu Tournament 2025 is straightforward, with options for online and offline purchases. Tickets are available through the TNCA website, authorized platforms like BookMyShow, and stadium counters.
Ticket Booking Details
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Category |
Price Range (INR) |
Availability |
|---|---|---|
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General Stands |
100–300 |
Online and venue counters |
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Premium Stands |
500–1,000 |
Online (BookMyShow, TNCA website) |
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VIP/Premium Boxes |
2,000–5,000 |
Limited; book early via TNCA website |
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Early Bird Discounts: Book before July 15, 2025, for potential discounts.
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Group Bookings: Special rates for groups of 10+; contact TNCA for details.
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E-Tickets: Download mobile tickets for convenience via BookMyShow or Paytm.
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Pro Tip: Avoid unauthorized resellers to prevent scams; stick to official platforms.
Tips for Attending Matches
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Best Gates: Use Gate 4 or 5 at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium for quicker entry.
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Prohibited Items: No outside food, bottles, or sharp objects allowed.
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Seating Choice: Opt for upper-tier stands for better views and shade.
Live Streaming and Scorecards
Can’t attend in person? The Buchi Babu Tournament 2025 will be accessible via live streaming and scorecards on multiple platforms.
Live Streaming Platforms
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TNCA App and YouTube: Official streaming with real-time updates.
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Cricbuzz: Live scores, commentary, and streaming options.
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Hotstar: Likely to broadcast select matches.
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ESPNcricinfo: Detailed match analysis and live scorecards.
TV Broadcast
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Star Sports or Sony Sports: Expected to air key matches, though no official confirmation yet.
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DD Sports: A free-to-air option for select games.
Accessing Scorecards
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Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo: Real-time ball-by-ball updates and player stats.
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TNCA Website: Official scorecards and match summaries.
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Key Features: Track runs, wickets, partnerships, and standout performances like Suryakumar Yadav’s batting or Harshal Patel’s bowling.
Scorecards are perfect for fantasy cricket players and analysts, offering insights into team strategies and player form.
Squads and Star Players to Watch
The Buchi Babu Tournament 2025 will feature 12 teams, including Mumbai, Haryana, TNCA XI, Karnataka, and defending champions Hyderabad. Each team blends experienced players with emerging talent, making it a hotspot for spotting future stars.
Expected Teams and Key Players
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Team |
Star Players |
Emerging Talents |
|---|---|---|
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Mumbai |
Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan |
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prithvi Shaw |
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Haryana |
Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal |
Ankit Kumar, Nishant Sindhu |
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TNCA XI |
Dinesh Karthik, Washington Sundar |
Sai Sudharsan, R. Sai Kishore |
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Karnataka |
Mayank Agarwal, Manish Pandey |
Vyshak Vijaykumar, Devdutt Padikkal |
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Hyderabad |
Tilak Varma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar |
Rohit Rayudu, Tanay Thyagarajan |
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Players to Watch: Suryakumar Yadav’s innovative batting and Ishan Kishan’s explosive wicketkeeping are highlights.
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Emerging Stars: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan are tipped for big performances.
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Past Performers: Hyderabad won the 2024 title, with standout contributions from Tilak Varma.
Nearby Facilities and Local Attractions
Attending the Buchi Babu Tournament at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium offers a chance to explore Chennai’s vibrant culture. Here’s a guide to nearby amenities and attractions.
Nearby Hotels
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The Leela Palace Chennai (5-star, 1.5 km): Luxury stay with sea views, spa, and dining. Price: INR 8,000–15,000/night.
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Taj Connemara (5-star, 3 km): Historic hotel with modern amenities. Price: INR 7,000–12,000/night.
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Hotel Savera (4-star, 2 km): Budget-friendly with free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Price: INR 4,000–6,000/night.
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The Raintree Hotel (4-star, 4 km): Eco-friendly with a rooftop pool. Price: INR 5,500–8,000/night.
Nearby Malls
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Express Avenue Mall (3 km): Features top brands, a food court, and PVR Cinemas. Drive or take a cab in 10 minutes.
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Phoenix MarketCity (10 km): Offers shopping, dining, and entertainment. Reachable in 20–25 minutes by car.
Transport Options
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Nearest Railway Station: Chennai Egmore (5 km). Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw (15 minutes) to the stadium.
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Nearest Metro Stop: Government Estate Metro (2 km). Walk 20 minutes or take a short cab ride.
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Bus Stop: Chepauk Bus Stop (0.5 km). Frequent buses connect to Chennai Central and other hubs.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
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Marina Beach (1 km): India’s longest beach, perfect for a post-match stroll or street food like sundal.
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Kapaleeswarar Temple (3 km): A 7th-century Dravidian temple with stunning architecture.
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Fort St. George (4 km): A historic British fort housing a museum and St. Mary’s Church.
Stadium Access and Entry Tips
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Parking: Available at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium for INR 100–200 per match. Limited spots; arrive early.
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Best Time to Arrive: 90 minutes before the match to secure parking and seats.
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Local Hack: Use the Wallajah Road entrance for faster access and visit nearby Saravana Bhavan for budget-friendly South Indian meals.
History of the Buchi Babu Tournament
Since its inception in 1908, the Buchi Babu Tournament has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket. Named after M. Buchi Babu Naidu, who promoted cricket in the Madras Presidency it was India’s premier first class tournament until the Ranji Trophy began in 1934.
Legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid have honed their skills here, making it a breeding ground for talent. The 2024 edition saw Hyderabad triumph, defeating Delhi by 250 runs, and 2025 promises more memorable moments.
FAQs
1. Where can I find the Buchi Babu Tournament 2025 schedule?
The official schedule will be available on the TNCA website and platforms like Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo. Matches are expected to start in August 2025, with key fixtures like Mumbai vs Haryana. Check these platforms for updates.
2. How much do tickets for the Buchi Babu Tournament 2025 cost?
Ticket prices range from INR 100–300 for general stands to INR 2,000–5,000 for VIP boxes. Book early on the TNCA website or BookMyShow for discounts.
3. Is parking available at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium?
Yes, parking is available for INR 100–200, but spaces are limited. Arrive 90 minutes early to secure a spot, or use public transport like the metro.
4. What are the best seating zones at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium?
Upper-tier stands offer the best views and shade. Premium stands near the pavilion provide a closer experience but are pricier. Book early for high-demand matches like TNCA XI vs Mumbai.
5. What are some nearby attractions to visit during the tournament?
Explore Marina Beach (1 km), Kapaleeswarar Temple (3 km), or Fort St. George (4 km). These landmarks offer a taste of Chennai’s culture and history, perfect for a match-day outing.
Conclusion
The Buchi Babu Tournament 2025 is set to deliver thrilling cricket action, showcasing India’s domestic talent at iconic venues like M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. From the detailed schedule and ticket booking tips to nearby attractions and live streaming options, this guide ensures you’re ready for an unforgettable experience. Share this article with fellow cricket fans, book your tickets on the TNCA website, and explore more cricket content on our site!