BCCI Breaks Silence on Outrage Over No Duleep Trophy Telecast: “We Have an Agreement…”
Mumbai, August 31, 2025 – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally responded to the heavy criticism it faced after fans expressed outrage over the absence of live coverage for the ongoing Duleep Trophy. Following days of backlash across social media, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has assured that the final of the tournament, scheduled for September, will indeed be telecast live, bringing relief to fans of domestic cricket.
Why Was There Outrage?
The uproar began on August 28 when the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals kicked off in Bengaluru. To everyone’s shock, the matches were neither broadcast on television nor streamed online on any digital platform.
For a tournament that has historically been seen as a crucial stepping stone for players aiming to break into the Indian national team, the lack of visibility struck a nerve. Fans took to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to vent their frustration.
Some described the move as “shameful” and “outrageous,” while others mocked the richest cricket board in the world for neglecting its own premier domestic tournament.
One frustrated fan posted:
“No live streaming of the #DuleepTrophy… Even district-level tennis ball tournaments are being live-streamed on YouTube. What excuse does the BCCI have?”
Another comment read:
“The richest cricket board in the world can’t even provide telecast for their domestic tournaments. Truly disappointing.”
Indian media outlets like Hindustan Times, India Today, Outlook India, Wisden, and Mid-Day echoed the sentiments, labeling the absence of coverage as a “truly awful treatment” of domestic cricket.
BCCI Responds: “We Have an Agreement”
Amid mounting criticism, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia issued a clarification. Speaking to the media, Saikia emphasized that the board has a formal agreement with its broadcast partner to ensure at least 100 days of domestic cricket are telecast live.
“We have an agreement with our broadcast partner for live coverage of 100 days of domestic cricket, which includes tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare, and the Duleep Trophy. BCCI gives top priority to domestic cricket and the Duleep Trophy final will be live telecast,” Saikia confirmed.
The announcement has somewhat eased the anger, but many fans continue to question why the opening rounds were ignored in the first place.
Importance of the Duleep Trophy
The Duleep Trophy, first played in 1961, has long been considered a breeding ground for future Indian cricket stars. Many current and former internationals have made their mark in this competition before breaking into the national side.
The 2025 edition returned to the zonal format, featuring six teams: North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, West Zone, Central Zone, and North-East Zone. This revival has added prestige to the tournament, as it not only reflects regional pride but also brings together some of India’s top-performing domestic players.
This year’s tournament is particularly significant as it features high-profile names such as Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh. Their participation makes the absence of live coverage all the more baffling for fans, who feel deprived of watching India’s top talent in action.
Tournament Schedule and Broadcast Promise
- Quarterfinals: Began on August 28 in Bengaluru, but had no telecast.
- Semifinals: Scheduled from September 4, to be played at the CEG Ground, Bengaluru.
- Final: To be held from September 11–15, which BCCI has now promised will be broadcast live.
According to reports, BCCI’s broadcast partner is expected to make arrangements to ensure the semifinals and final reach fans either through television or digital platforms.
Fans’ Perspective: More Than Just a Match
For Indian cricket enthusiasts, the outrage is not merely about missing a few matches. It reflects a larger concern about the treatment of domestic cricket compared to the glitz and glamour of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
While the IPL enjoys global broadcast deals worth billions, tournaments like the Duleep Trophy often struggle to find a platform. Fans argue that giving equal importance to domestic competitions is essential for the growth of Indian cricket’s talent pool.
One fan wrote on social media:
“Even gully cricket matches are streamed live these days. How can BCCI neglect something as prestigious as the Duleep Trophy?”
What This Means Going Forward
BCCI’s assurance is an important step, but experts believe the episode has highlighted a glaring gap in the board’s domestic cricket strategy. With India’s domestic structure considered one of the strongest in the world, visibility is key to keeping both fans and players motivated.
Former cricketers have also voiced their concerns. Some argue that by sidelining tournaments like the Duleep Trophy, the board risks undermining the very foundation on which Indian cricket’s future rests.
The coming weeks will be critical as the semifinals and final unfold. Fans will be watching closely—not just the players on the field, but also whether the BCCI keeps its word and delivers a proper telecast.
Conclusion
The Duleep Trophy controversy has turned into a wake-up call for the BCCI. While the board has promised to broadcast the final, the damage caused by the lack of coverage in the earlier rounds has already sparked a wider debate.
For fans, the issue is about more than one tournament—it’s about respect for domestic cricket. As India prepares for another packed international calendar, supporters are demanding that domestic players get the stage they deserve.
If BCCI truly wants to uphold its reputation as the world’s leading cricket board, consistent visibility for tournaments like the Duleep Trophy is no longer optional—it’s essential.
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