Irani Cup Teams 2025: Squads, Schedule, and Live Updates

by

The Irani Cup is a cornerstone of Indian domestic cricket, where the Ranji Trophy champions face the Rest of India (ROI) in a high-stakes, five-day first-class match. Scheduled for 2025 at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, this iconic tournament showcases top talents like Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad, blending experience with emerging stars.

This comprehensive guide covers the Irani Cup teams, their squad compositions, match schedules, historical significance, and practical tips for attending the event at Ekana Stadium. Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast or planning to visit the stadium, this article provides everything you need to know.

Don’t miss out on this thrilling cricket event that bridges domestic and international talent. Dive into the full guide for in-depth insights, squad comparisons, and local recommendations to plan your visit to Ekana Stadium.

  • Irani Cup Teams 2025: Detailed breakdown of Mumbai and ROI squads, including star players and emerging talents.

  • Ekana Stadium Insights: Venue history, seating options, and accessibility tips for a seamless match-day experience.

  • Match Schedule: Expected dates, timings, and live coverage platforms for the 2025 tournament.

  • Local Attractions: Explore nearby hotels, malls, and tourist spots to enhance your visit to Lucknow.

  • Fan Tips: Practical advice on parking, ticket prices, and local dining options for cricket fans.

Irani Cup Teams 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Teams, Schedule, and Ekana Stadium

Established in 1959–60 to honor Z.R. Irani, a key figure in Indian cricket, the Irani Cup is a prestigious first-class tournament. It pits the Ranji Trophy champions against the Rest of India (ROI), a team of top performers from other domestic tournaments.

Learn about the Mumbai and ROI teams, their key players, and what makes this clash a must-watch. Discover practical details like ticket booking, stadium access, and nearby attractions to enhance your match-day experience in Lucknow.

From parking tips to local eateries, we’ve got you covered to make your Irani Cup 2025 visit unforgettable.

What is the Irani Cup?

This five-day match tests players’ skills under conditions mirroring Test cricket, serving as a crucial platform for national team selection. Its rich history and competitive format make it a fan favorite.

Irani Cup Teams 2025: Squad Breakdown

The 2025 Irani Cup features Mumbai, the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy champions, against the Rest of India (ROI), a powerhouse of domestic talent. Below is a detailed look at the squads and their strengths.

Mumbai Team (Ranji Trophy Champions)

Mumbai, led by Ajinkya Rahane, combines seasoned players with promising newcomers. Their batting lineup, featuring Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan, is known for its depth and adaptability. The bowling attack, led by Mohit Avasthi and Royston Dias, offers a balanced mix of pace and spin.

  • Key Players: Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan.

  • All-Rounders: Shardul Thakur, Shams Mulani.

  • Wicketkeeper: Hardik Tamore.

  • Strengths: Experienced batting and versatile all-rounders for dynamic gameplay.

Rest of India (ROI) Team

The ROI squad, captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad, includes standout performers from the Duleep Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. With players like Ishan Kishan and Abhimanyu Easwaran, ROI boasts a strong batting core, complemented by pacers like Yash Dayal and spinners like Rahul Chahar.

  • Key Players: Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain), Ishan Kishan, Abhimanyu Easwaran.

  • All-Rounders: Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain.

  • Wicketkeepers: Ishan Kishan, Dhruv Jurel.

  • Strengths: Balanced squad with aggressive batting and varied bowling options.

Squad Comparison Table

Category

Mumbai Team

Rest of India Team

Batters

Ajinkya Rahane, Sarfaraz Khan, Prithvi Shaw

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran

All-Rounders

Shardul Thakur, Shams Mulani

Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain

Wicketkeepers

Hardik Tamore

Ishan Kishan, Dhruv Jurel

Bowlers

Mohit Avasthi, Royston Dias

Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar

Both teams promise a thrilling contest, with Mumbai’s experience facing ROI’s dynamic youth.

Historical Significance of the Irani Cup

Since its inception in 1959–60, the Irani Cup has been a proving ground for Indian cricket talent. Named after Z.R. Irani, it has hosted memorable matches, like Mumbai’s 2024 victory after a 27-year gap.

The tournament’s format replicates Test cricket, challenging players to adapt to long-format strategies. It remains a critical stepping stone for domestic players eyeing international careers.

Schedule and Venue: Ekana Stadium, Lucknow

The Irani Cup 2025 is expected to take place in October, following the 2024 precedent (October 1–5 at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow).

While exact dates are pending, the match will likely span five days, starting at 9:30 AM IST.

  • Venue Highlights: Ekana Stadium offers excellent viewing areas, ample parking, and modern amenities.

  • Past Venues: Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium (Rajkot).

  • Live Coverage: Follow updates on Cricbuzz, Wisden, or BCCI’s official website.

Ekana Stadium: Access and Entry Tips

Ekana Stadium, located in Lucknow, is well-connected and fan-friendly. Here are tips to enhance your match-day experience:

  • Parking: Available at the stadium’s designated lots; costs range from ₹50–₹100 for two-wheelers and ₹200–₹300 for cars. Arrive by 8:00 AM to secure a spot.

  • Entry Gates: Use Gate 3 or 4 for quicker access, as main gates get crowded.

  • Local Hack: Book tickets online via BookMyShow to avoid long queues.

  • Best Time to Arrive: Reach by 8:30 AM to settle in before the 9:30 AM start.

Nearby Facilities and Attractions

Planning a visit to Ekana Stadium? Explore these nearby options to make the most of your trip.

Nearby Hotels

  • Ramada Plaza by Wyndham (5-star): 1.2 km from the stadium, offers luxury rooms, a pool, and free breakfast. Price range: ₹6,000–₹10,000/night.

  • Hilton Garden Inn (4-star): 1.5 km away, features modern amenities and a fitness center. Price range: ₹4,500–₹8,000/night.

  • Lemon Tree Hotel (3-star): 2 km from the stadium, budget-friendly with free Wi-Fi. Price range: ₹3,000–₹5,000/night.

  • Hotel Silvete (3-star): 0.8 km away, ideal for budget travelers. Price range: ₹2,000–₹3,500/night.

Nearby Malls

  • Phoenix Palassio (1.5 km): Features high-end stores like Zara, a multi-cuisine food court, and a PVR cinema. Reachable in 5 minutes by car.

  • Lulu Mall (3 km): Offers brands like H&M, a hypermarket, and dining options like KFC. A 10-minute drive from the stadium.

Nearest Railway Station

  • Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station (12 km): A major hub, 25–30 minutes by taxi or auto-rickshaw. Book a cab via Ola/Uber for convenience.

Nearest Metro/Bus Stop

  • Shaheed Path Metro Station (2.5 km): Part of Lucknow Metro’s Red Line, a 7-minute drive or 15-minute walk. Autos are available outside the station.

  • Gomti Nagar Bus Stop (1 km): Frequent buses to central Lucknow; a 5-minute auto ride to the stadium.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

  • Bara Imambara (10 km): A historic Mughal monument with a stunning labyrinth (Bhool Bhulaiya). Reachable in 20 minutes by car.

  • Ambedkar Park (8 km): A scenic park with grand architecture, ideal for an evening stroll. A 15-minute drive from the stadium.

  • Janeshwar Mishra Park (6 km): A sprawling green space for relaxation, 12 minutes by car.

Local Dining Tips

Try Lucknow’s iconic street food near the stadium. Head to Gomti Nagar’s food stalls (1 km away) for kebabs, biryani, and chaat. Popular spots include Tunday Kababi (3 km) for authentic Awadhi cuisine.

FAQs 

1. Where can I buy tickets for the Irani Cup 2025?

Tickets are available online via BookMyShow or at Ekana Stadium’s ticket counters. Prices typically range from ₹200 for general stands to ₹2,000 for premium seating. Book early to secure the best seats.

2. What are the parking facilities at Ekana Stadium?

Ekana Stadium offers ample parking with designated lots for two-wheelers (₹50–₹100) and cars (₹200–₹300). Arrive by 8:00 AM to avoid congestion. Pre-booking parking via the stadium’s official app is recommended.

3. Which are the best seating zones at Ekana Stadium?

The North and South Stands offer excellent views of the pitch, ideal for close-up action. Premium lounges provide air-conditioned comfort but are pricier. Check the stadium’s seating map on BCCI’s website for details.

4. How do I reach Ekana Stadium by public transport?

Take the Lucknow Metro to Shaheed Path Station (2.5 km away) or a bus to Gomti Nagar Bus Stop (1 km). Autos and cabs are readily available from both stops to reach the stadium in 5–10 minutes.

5. What are some nearby restaurants or attractions?

Gomti Nagar (1 km) offers street food like kebabs and biryani. Visit Bara Imambara (10 km) for a cultural experience or Phoenix Palassio (1.5 km) for shopping and dining. Tunday Kababi (3 km) is a must-try for Awadhi cuisine.

Conclusion

The Irani Cup 2025 at Ekana Stadium promises a thrilling clash between Mumbai and the Rest of India, showcasing India’s finest domestic cricket talent. From squad breakdowns and historical insights to practical tips for attending the match, this guide equips you with everything needed for an unforgettable experience. Share this article with fellow cricket fans, plan your visit to Lucknow, or explore more cricket content on our website for the latest updates.