What is Buchi Babu Tournament?
In a nation where cricket is everything the Buchi Babu Tournament, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious four-day cricket tournaments, is making a grand return. Where this year’s edition features 12 promising teams, including two local teams from Tamil Nadu.
Initially, a local club tournament, which evolved into an invitational tournament in the 1960s, attracting teams from across the country. Before the introduction of the Ranji Trophy in the 1930s, this Tournament was considered the most significant fixture in Indian cricket. The tournament is named after Mothavarapu Venkata Mahipathi Naidu, fondly known as Buchi Babu Naidu.
He was a pioneer in promoting cricket among the local audience in Madras (now Chennai). His vision was to bring the best players in the city together to compete against English cricketers, which led to the inception of the Madras Presidency match. However, Buchi Babu Naidu passed away before the first edition, and in his honor, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association started this prestigious tournament.
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The Return of the Buchi Babu Tournament
The Buchi Babu Invitational Cricket Tournament 2024 is set to reignite the passion of domestic cricket. The tournament also includes two local teams, TNCA President’s XI and TNCA XI, representing the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. While the other featuring 12 teams, are Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Railways, Gujarat, Mumbai, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, and Baroda.
The tournament promises to showcase some of India’s top cricketing talents, with notable players like Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Sarfaraz Khan, and Musheer Khan expected to participate. While this year’s tournament will be held across four locations in Tamil Nadu: Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Salem, and Natham.
Buchi Babu Tournament Format and Prize Money
The Buchi Babu Tournament 2024 will follow the traditional four-day format, similar to the one used in the Ranji Trophy. This format tests the endurance, skill, and strategic acumen of the players, making it a true test of first-class cricket. The teams are divided into four groups:
- Group A: Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Hyderabad
- Group B: Railways, Gujarat, TNCA President’s XI
- Group C: Mumbai, Haryana, TNCA XI
- Group D: Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Baroda
The winning team will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh, while the runner-up will receive Rs 2 lakh. This prize money, along with the prestige associated with the tournament, makes it a coveted title in Indian domestic cricket.
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Conclusion:
As the Tournament 2024 unfolds, it promises to deliver thrilling cricketing action, honoring the legacy of Buchi Babu Naidu, while also promoting the local talent to showcase their talent. The tournament’s long history and its role in the development of cricket in India make it a cherished event for cricket fans.
