The Colonel C.K Nayudu Trophy is a domestic cricket competitive championship that is played in India between the Under-25 Teams representing the various state and regional cricket associations across the country. The matches in the event are played in the traditional four-day format with the red cricket ball.
The Board of Cricket Control for India (BCCI) is the primary organizer of the tournament. The championship is named after India’s first Test captain, i.e. Colonel C.K Nayudu. Over the course of its inception, C.K Nayudu Trophy has been played with various age limits including Under 22, Under 23 and Under 25.
The latest edition of the C.K Nayudu Trophy was played with the Under 25 age limit. Gujarat U-25 are the incumbent champions as they defeated Mumbai in the 2023 Final. Let’s find out more about the prestigious domestic tournament:
C.K Nayudu Trophy History
The Board of Cricket Control for India (BCCI) introduced a tournament for Under-22 cricketers in 1973-74 after India’s first Test Captain C.K Nayudu. The championship was initially called the Junior Tournament of India for the Colonel Nayudu Trophy.
The Trophy was donated by the Mumbai Cricket Association (then Bombay Cricket Association) from the funds collected to perpetuate the memory and commemoration of Nayudu.
In the 2007-08 season of the C.K Nayudu Trophy, the BCCI lowered the age limit of participating cricketers to 22 years. Subsequently, the tournament’s age limit was then made Under 23 years in the 2014-15 edition. The BCCI reintroduced the normal Under-25 age limit for the tournament from the 2021-22 edition.
Interestingly, limited participation from senior cricketers who participate in the premier domestic Ranji Trophy is allowed. The BCCI had restricted the participation of Ranji Trophy players from the 2014-15 season onwards to only three. As of now, there is no limit on the participation of Ranji Trophy players.
Colonel C.K Nayudu
Colonel Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu, popularly known as C.K Nayudu was India’s finest and most contemplating cricketer and administrator. Nayudu was the first-ever captain of India’s national cricket team. He is regarded as the greatest Indian cricketing legend. Nayudu was an elegant right-handed batsman, an accurate medium-pace bowler and a splendid fielder.
C.K Nayudu’s cricketing career spanned over 47 years from 1916 to 1963 which helped him etch a distinct world record. Nayudu attained fascinating popularity as he possessed the ability to hit long sixes. For his prolific career and remarkable contribution to the glory of cricket, Nayudu was awarded with the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1933. The Government of India also honoured Nayudu with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award in 1956.
Notably, the Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) also bestows an award in the memory of Nayudu, i.e. the Colonel C.K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. It is the highest award that is delegated by BCCI to former Indian cricketers who propelled and made significant achievements in their cricketing careers.
C.K Nayudu Trophy Winners
The C.K Nayudu Trophy has seen the victory of multiple state and regional cricket associations. Mumbai bagged the C.K Nayudu Trophy in 2008 when the age limit was amended to Under-22. Let’s find out the most recent winners of the championship:
(Under 23)
- 2014-15: Uttar Pradesh
Runners-Up: Himachal Pradesh - 2015-16: Mumbai
Runners-Up: Madhya Pradesh - 2016-17: Punjab
Runners-Up: Andhra Pradesh - 2017-18: Delhi
Runners-Up: Mumbai - 2018-19: Punjab
Runners-Up: Bengal - 2019-20: Vidarbha
Runners-Up: Madhya Pradesh - 2021-22: Mumbai
Runners-Up: Vidarbha - 2022-23: Gujarat
Runners-Up: Mumbai
The C.K Nayudu Trophy was not conducted in the 2020-21 edition due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Gujarat U-25 Team powered a decisive victory against Mumbai in the most recently concluded C.K Nayudu Trophy 2023. The ultimate fixture was conducted from March 12 to March 15 at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Valsad, Gujarat. Gujarat overpowered Mumbai by 191 runs eventually helping him to seize the prestigious trophy after a long time. Mumbai bagged the trophy back in 2022 after a clinical all-round performance.
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