West Zone coach Amit Dani requests Duleep Trophy knockout format change
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 10:07 AM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
West Zone coach Amit Dani is calling for a restructuring of the Duleep Trophy after his team was eliminated in the quarterfinals. North Zone defeated West Zone by 52 runs in the match held at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Dani suggested that the tournament should abandon the knockout format in favor of league matches to allow players more time on the field. He noted that the current structure provides limited opportunities for both selectors and players who are often early in their seasonal preparation. Despite the loss, Dani highlighted the performances of Musheer Khan, Tanush Kotian, and Tushar Deshpande during the tournament. The tournament final is scheduled to take place on September 6.
- •North Zone defeated West Zone by 52 runs in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals.
- •Amit Dani proposed replacing the knockout format with league-style play.
- •The BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru hosted the quarterfinal match.
- •Musheer Khan recorded a 96-run performance in the fourth innings for West Zone.
- •The Duleep Trophy final is slated for September 6.
- 10:07 AMYahoo Sports — West Zone coach Amit Dani wants Duleep Trophy’s knock-out format changed
"MUMBAI: When the Duleep Trophy semifinals began at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Sunday, 19-time champions West Zone were conspicuous by their absence. West crashed out after a 52-run defeat to North Zone in a low-scoring quarterfinal, with North posting 251 and 222, while West managed 187 and 234. Former Mumbai first-class cricketer Amit Dani, who coached West Zone this season, believes the tournament’s knockout format needs a rethink.
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