The Vijay Hazare Trophy is a 50-over domestic one-day cricket tournament in India. It is administered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and is named after the legendary Indian cricketer Vijay Hazare. The tournament was started in the 2002-03 season to promote one-day cricket among state teams in India. State teams from across India participate in the tournament, representing different geographical zones, including North, South, East, West, and Central, ensuring a diverse and competitive platform for cricketing talent from all regions of the country.
The tournament follows a group stage and knockout format to determine the ultimate champion. Teams are initially divided into Elite Groups and a Plate Group based on their rankings and performances. After the group stage, the top-performing teams from each group progress to the knockout rounds, including the quarterfinals, semifinals, and eventually the final, where the winner is crowned. This structure ensures a fair and competitive progression, allowing teams to showcase their skills at each stage.
Here’s a list of the top three teams with the most Vijay Hazare Trophy titles:
1: Tamil Nadu (5 titles)
The team from the south, Tamil Nadu, leads the list of the most Vijay Hazare Trophy titles with 5 to his name. Their consistent performances and depth of talent have made them a dominant force in domestic cricket. They won the title in 2002-03, 2004-05, 2008-09, 2009-10, and 2016-17. Over the years, the team has produced exceptional players like Dinesh Karthik, Murali Vijay, and Washington Sundar, who have played pivotal roles in their victories.
Tamil Nadu’s success is built on a robust domestic cricket structure, which grooms young talent through various age-group tournaments.
2: Mumbai (4 titles)
West Zone team, Mumbai also finds their name in this list with 4 titles. They are known as the powerhouse of Indian domestic cricket, with various titles to their name in all three formats of the game. The team’s ability to adapt and perform against strong opponents has been crucial in securing their titles, making them a formidable opponent in every season. The team clinched the title in 2003-04, 2006-07, 2018-19, and 2020-21.
Mumbai’s cricketing tradition is legendary, and their success in this tournament is a testament to their dominance in domestic cricket.
3: Karnataka (3 titles)
Another team from South, Karnataka has also shown their dominance in the one-day format domestic tournament. They have won the Vijay Hazare Trophy three times in 2013-14, 2014-15, and 2017-18. Karnataka’s balanced team composition, with contributions from both senior players and emerging talents, has been a key factor in their success.
They have consistently nurtured players who have gone on to achieve success in the IPL and international cricket.