The esteemed Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023 commenced with a thrilling opening battle at the KSCA Cricket Ground in Alur on Thursday, November 23, as reigning champions Saurashtra took on the formidable challenge posed by Sanju Samson’s Kerala. Saurashtra, who claimed victory over Maharashtra in the previous season’s finale, finds themselves in the heated competition of Group A alongside cricket heavyweights such as Mumbai and Kerala.
This season, a whopping 38 domestic teams are categorized into five diverse groups. They will compete over the course of 138 matches, each vying for the coveted trophy. Marking their territory in Group E are Punjab, the champions of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023, alongside the much-acclaimed Tamil Nadu. Notably, Tamil Nadu is renowned for their record five triumphs in this illustrious 50-over tournament.
Maharashtra, last season’s runner-up, must contend with their Group B adversaries Vidarbha, while also preparing for their initial clash against Jharkhand on November 23. Ruturaj Gaikwad, last year’s top performer for Maharashtra, will unfortunately be absent from this year’s tournament due to commitments with the national team. In his stead, the battle-hardened Kedar Jadhav will captain Maharashtra’s crusade for their first-ever title in the history of Vijay Hazare Trophy.
An array of cities – Bangalore, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Thiruvananthapuram – have been meticulously selected to serve as the hosts for the group-stage encounters. Meanwhile, Rajkot has been designated as the exclusive venue for all the knockout rounds, ensuring an exhilarating conclusion to the tournament.
In an exciting turn for sports broadcasting, Viacom 18 has clinched the media rights to telecast all of India’s domestic cricket matches from September 2023 through to March 2028. The matches will be brought to television screens by Sports 18, with all pre-quarterfinal matches scheduled to commence broadcasting from December 9, followed by subsequent knockout games. Cricket aficionados will also be able to indulge in free live streaming of the entire Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023, accessible both through the official application and website.
As the cricketing season unfolds, fans and players alike hold their breath for what promises to be a riveting spectacle of domestic cricket prowess. With the stage set, the teams are ready to exhibit skill, tenacity, and sheer passion for the game that unites millions. The stage is set for an unforgettable cricketing carnival, where emerging talents and seasoned professionals will showcase their ability and vie for the esteemed title – a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport.
Image Source: YUZVENDRA CHAHAL – Haryana players gearing up for a competitive Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023, filled with high hopes and strategic gameplay.
The latest cricket news continues to flood in as the tournament progresses, with updates on player performances, team strategies, and much more, keeping cricket enthusiasts at the edge of their seats and perpetuating the enduring love for the game.