The annual Irani Trophy match is probably the most important fixture
in the domestic calendar. The first match, played between the Ranji
Trophy champions and the Rest of India was played in 1959-60 with the
trophy being instituted in the name of Zal Irani, long time treasurer
of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and a keen patron of the
game. For the first few years, it was played at the fag end of the
season. Realising the importance of the fixture, the BCCI moved it to
the beginning of the season. Since 1965-66, it has traditionally
heralded the start of the new domestic season. The Irani Trophy game
ranks very high in popularity and importance. It is one of the few
domestic matches that is followed with keen interest by cricket lovers
in the country. Leading players take part in the game which has often
been a sort of selection trial to pick the Indian team for foreign
tours.
