Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025: Full Schedule, Squads, Match Dates, Venues

Cricket is celebrated in India in all its formats!

But, there are very few tournaments that capture the true spirit of the fast-paced domestic competition, and that is- the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). Known as India’s premier domestic T20 competition, this tournament has been a launchpad for many players. As it gives players a chance to shine in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and ultimately the Indian national team.

As we gear up for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, excitement is at its peak. Fans are eagerly waiting to see which teams dominate and how this tournament shapes the future of the shortest format of Indian cricket.

This blog tells you about the complete schedule, teams, match dates, venues and key highlights of SMAT 2025.

A Brief History of SMAT 

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was first introduced in 2006 and is named after legendary Indian cricketer Syed Mushtaq Ali. Since then, the tournament has become a huge event on the domestic circuit, especially due to its role as a scouting ground for IPL franchises. Every year, it produces new players who either earn IPL contracts or get call-ups to the national team.

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 Schedule 

The 2025 edition of SMAT will be held in October-November 2025. It will be following the IPL season and just ahead of the domestic Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy competitions.

Venues 

The tournament will be held in multiple cities across India. This will give fans from different parts of the country the thrill of a domestic T20 match. While the BCCI is yet to confirm the final venues, some of the possible host stadiums include:

• M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

• Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

• Eden Gardens, Kolkata

• M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

• Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

• Sardar Patel Stadium (Motera), Ahmedabad

• Holkar Stadium, Indore

• Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

These venues are known for their enthusiastic spectators and IPL-like atmosphere, making SMAT a fan-pleasing experience.

Teams & Squads 

All 38 state and regional teams will participate in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. These teams have been divided into Elite and Plate groups. Some of the key contenders include:

• Mumbai – Multiple-time champions, always filled with batting powerhouses.

• Karnataka – Known for producing aggressive T20 cricketers.

• Tamil Nadu – One of the most successful teams in SMAT history.

• Delhi – A team that combines young talent with senior experience.

• Saurashtra & Baroda – Rising hubs for T20 talent.

• Punjab – Strong batting skills with a record of producing IPL experts.

• Bengal, Vidarbha, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan – Competitive teams capable of upsetting giants.

• North East Teams – Nagaland, Manipur, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram – newbies, but improving every year.

Official teams will be announced by the state associations. Expect a mix of senior Indian internationals, IPL regulars and local youngsters looking to make their mark.

Why SMAT 2025 Is Special 

• Gateway to IPL 2026 Auctions: A big season here can land a player a lucrative IPL contract.

• National Team Selection: India’s T20 squad is under constant transition, and selectors keep a close watch.

• High Entertainment Factor: Short games, high strike rates, sixes galore.

• Comeback Platform: Injured or out-of-form players use this tournament to prove fitness.

• Talent Hunt: Many breakout stars from smaller states often emerge here.

Past Winners 

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has been dominated by a few teams over the years, with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka at the top. Here’s a look at the recent champions:

• 2024 – Karnataka

• 2023 – Tamil Nadu

• 2022 – Himachal Pradesh (historic win)

• 2021 – Tamil Nadu

• 2020 – Karnataka

These winners show the competitive nature of the tournament.

Key Players to Watch in 2025 

• Prithvi Shaw (Mumbai): He is an explosive opening batter and is capable of doing winning knockouts.

• Ruturaj Gaikwad (Maharashtra/India): Consistent and elegant T20 anchor.

• Yashasvi Jaiswal (Mumbai/India): One of the most aggressive young openers in world cricket.

• Tilak Varma (Hyderabad/India): A middle-order powerhouse and future star.

• Washington Sundar (Tamil Nadu/India): All-rounder balancing spin bowling with handy batting.

• Shivam Dubey (Mumbai/India) – Big-hitting finisher, proven in both IPL and SMAT.

• Arshdeep Singh (Punjab/India) – Yorker specialist in the death overs.

• Ravi Bishnoi (Rajasthan/India) – Being a young leg-spinner, he is an excellent T20 player.

Live Streaming & Telecast 

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 will be telecast on Star Sports Network and live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar. Some may also be available on JioCinema. This makes it accessible to millions of fans who want to track their favourite players ahead of the IPL season.

Conclusion 

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 is a bridge between domestic cricket, IPL and international cricket. New stars have emerged in every edition, and 2025 will be no different. With the upcoming T20 World Cup cycle in mind, the selectors will be keeping a close eye on the performances. IPL scouts will also take note, and fans will get a chance to experience the thrill of competitive cricket at its best.

As the league stage begins, we can expect fireworks and perhaps some record-breaking innings that will be remembered for years to come.

Want to know when and where the IPL, ICC, Asia World Cup, Ranji matches are going to be held? Take a look at Cricbites! Here you will get every detail about it along with its livescore.

FAQs: People Also Ask

Q1. When will the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 start?

It will start in October 2025 and end in November 2025.

Q2. How many teams are competing?

A total of 38 teams representing Indian states and territories will play.

Q3. Which team won the 2024 edition?

Karnataka won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024.

Q4. Where will the SMAT 2025 matches be played?

The matches will be held in major Indian cricket stadiums. These include Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

Q5. Why is this tournament important?

It is a scouting platform for the IPL, a preferred ground for Team India and a showcase for local T20 talent.

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