A Storied Heritage: The ‘Father of Madras Cricket’
The Buchi Babu Cricket Tournament, also known as the Buchi Babu Memorial Tournament or Buchi Babu Trophy, is among India’s oldest and most historic domestic competitions. Named in honor of Mothavarapu Venkata Mahipathi Naidu—popularly known as Buchi Babu Naidu, revered as the “Father of Madras (now Chennai) Cricket”—this tournament was established in the 1909–10 season, a year after his passing—in memory of his contributions to Indian cricket.
Buchi Babu’s significance extended beyond just founding a tournament. Disillusioned by the exclusive dominance of the Madras Cricket Club (MCC), a British-dominated institution, he formed the Madras United Cricket Club (MUC) to empower Indian players. His efforts laid the foundation for indigenous cricketing structures.
In the weeks following his passing, his sons initiated the memorial tournament in his name—giving Indian players a stage to compete at a time when cricket was largely inaccessible to them.
Evolution Over Time: From Local Matches to National Invitational
Originally a memorial for local sides, the tournament’s profile rose substantially in the late 1960s when the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) took it over, converting it into a national invitational event featuring state teams from across India. Wikipediaisportindia.com
Before the advent of the Ranji Trophy in the 1930s, the Buchi Babu Tournament was considered the premier domestic competition. It attracted some of the nation’s top players and was often the highlight of the Indian cricket calendar.
Cricketing Legends and Their Moments
The tournament has seen legendary cricketers grace its fields:
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Sunil Gavaskar played post-1971 West Indies tour and was mobbed by fans in admiration.
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Mohammad Azharuddin, Srikkanth, Sourav Ganguly, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan are among many who used this platform to boost their careers.
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Kolla Sumanth of Hyderabad scored a tournament-high 345 runs in the 2017 edition and was named Player of the Tournament.
Tournament Format & Significance
Structure & Format
Traditionally played in a red-ball, multi-day first-class format (typically four-day games), the tournament involves group stages followed by knockouts, including semi-finals and the final.
2025 Edition Highlights
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Scheduled: August 18 to September 9, 2025
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16 teams, divided into 4 groups, compete across multiple venues in Tamil Nadu.
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Each group’s topper advances to the semi-finals, culminating in the final.
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Venues include grounds like Gojan College, Salem Cricket Foundation Stadium, Murugappa Ground, and others.
Role in Domestic Prep
The tournament serves as a key red-ball preparation platform for state units ahead of the Ranji Trophy season.
2025 Edition: Standout Names & Performances
The 2025 Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament carries renewed energy with several national stars participating:
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Sarfaraz Khan smashed a blistering century off 92 balls for Mumbai against TNCA XI, making a compelling case for re-selection in the Indian squad.
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Ruturaj Gaikwad, normally a top-order batter, even rolled his arm over and took a wicket for Maharashtra—showcasing adaptability.
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Prithvi Shaw and Ruturaj Gaikwad were named in Maharashtra’s 17-member squad, with Ankit Bawane appointed captain.
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Aditya Sarwate, a seasoned all-rounder, joined the Chhattisgarh squad, set to face Maharashtra in their opening tie; the side also includes cricketer Ravi Kiran.
Broadcast & Access: How Fans Tune In
Streaming & Coverage
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Matches are streamed on the TNCA app and sometimes on the TNCA YouTube channel.
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TV coverage is limited or typically unavailable.
Why the Buchi Babu Tournament Matters
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Legacy: A tribute to Buchi Babu Naidu’s efforts in democratizing cricket in Madras.
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Talent Scouting: A developmental ground for players to earn Ranji and national call-ups.
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Red-Ball Form: Offers vital preparation in traditional formats ahead of the domestic season.
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Heritage Preservation: Upholds over a century of Indian domestic cricket tradition.
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Fan Engagement: Occasionally draws huge crowds for marquee names like Gavaskar. Cricket.com
Conclusion: A Glorious Past, A Thriving Present
From its origins in 1909 as a commemorative memorial to its modern-day incarnation as a national invitational, the Buchi Babu Cricket Tournament remains a testament to India’s rich cricketing tapestry. It celebrates a noble legacy, nurtures up-and-coming talent, and preserves a fading yet vital red-ball tradition amid a fast-paced cricket landscape.
The 2025 edition brings renewed excitement with star-studded line-ups, thrilling performances like Sarfaraz’s century, and evolving formats that keep this historic competition relevant and vital.
