MUMBAI: In what will be the earliest-ever start to India’s domestic season, the entire edition of the upcoming Duleep Trophy, involving six teams from different zones, will be played in a knockout format in Bengaluru from June 28.
As per the schedule (a copy is with TOI), the traditional tournament will kick off with two quarter-final clashes between Central and East Zone at Alur (quarterfinal 1), and North Zone vs North East Zone (QF-2) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
From July 5, in the semifinals, defending champions West Zone will take on QF-1 winner at Alur, while South Zone will take on QF-2 winner at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The final will be held on July 12-16 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The BCCI General Manager-Game Development, Abey Kuruvilla had informed that all zonal conveners need to conduct their respective selection committee meetings and submit the 15-member squad and the list of support staff on or before June 15. The West Zone squad will be picked on June 15.
It would be interesting to see if the Team India stars take part in the initial stages of the Duleep Trophy, as the Test series in the West Indies will start from July 12.