India’s premier domestic T20 tournament is back! The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 kicks off today with all 32 teams battling for supremacy—and every IPL franchise will be watching closely. With defending finalists Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh returning alongside breakout stars like Kerala’s Sanju Samson and Maharashtra’s Prithvi Shaw, this year’s tournament promises fireworks ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction.
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Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | November 26, 2025 |
| Final Date | December 18, 2025 |
| Teams | 32 (4 Elite Groups) |
| Format | Group Stage → Super League → Final |
| Defending Finalists | Mumbai & Madhya Pradesh |
| IPL Auction Connection | Mid-December 2025 |
Elite Group Breakdown
Elite Group A: Andhra, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Mumbai, Odisha, Railways, Vidarbha
Elite Group B: Bihar, Chandigarh, Goa, Hyderabad, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh
Elite Group C: Baroda, Bengal, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Puducherry, Services
Elite Group D: Delhi, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttarakhand
Star Players to Watch
This tournament isn’t just about trophies—it’s the final audition before IPL teams finalize their shopping lists. According to the official BCCI domestic cricket platform, performances here directly influence auction valuations.
Big Names in Action: Sanju Samson leads Kerala with wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammed Azharuddeen providing support. Mumbai fields a star-studded lineup featuring Shardul Thakur (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav, and the explosive Sarfaraz Khan. Maharashtra counters with Ruturaj Gaikwad and the returning Prithvi Shaw, both hungry to prove their worth.
Young Guns: Bihar’s 16-year-old captain Vaibhav Suryavanshi has already captured attention, while Jharkhand’s Ishan Kishan returns to domestic cricket with a point to prove. Jammu & Kashmir’s pace sensation Umran Malik could clock 150+ kmph deliveries that send scouts scrambling.
For detailed player statistics and performance tracking, visit our SMAT 2025 player profiles and domestic cricket coverage hub.
Key Match Schedule Highlights
The tournament launches with 16 matches on opening day (November 26), featuring heavyweight clashes like Mumbai vs Railways (11:00 AM) and Jammu & Kashmir vs Maharashtra (11:00 AM). Group stages run through December 8, with four daily time slots: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:30 PM.
The Super League begins December 12 with eight teams competing for the final spot. The championship match is scheduled for December 18 at 10:00 AM—perfect timing as IPL franchises prepare their final auction strategies just days later.
Tournament Format Explained
Each team plays seven group matches, with top performers advancing to the Super League knockout round. The accelerated schedule ensures players stay match-sharp while showcasing their skills under pressure—exactly what IPL teams want to see.
This year’s timing is strategic: conclude the tournament, scout the standouts, then head straight into the IPL 2026 mega auction in mid-December. Players like Venkatesh Iyer (Madhya Pradesh) and Ravi Bishnoi (Gujarat) could significantly boost their auction prices with strong performances.
How to Watch SMAT 2025
Never miss a boundary! Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar hold exclusive broadcast rights for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Stream all matches live on Disney+ Hotstar with ball-by-ball commentary and expert analysis.
Download the official BCCI app (available on iOS and Android) for live scores, match highlights, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. Follow @BCCI on Twitter/X for real-time updates, scorecards, and breaking news throughout the tournament.
For regional language coverage, check your local Star Sports channel listings. Most matches receive live television coverage, especially those featuring high-profile players or competitive matchups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will SMAT 2025 performances affect IPL 2026 auction prices?
Absolutely! This tournament serves as the final showcase before the mid-December IPL mega auction. Strong performances can dramatically increase player valuations—remember how breakthrough performances in previous editions launched careers. IPL scouts attend matches specifically to evaluate form, fitness, and temperament under pressure.
Q: Can I watch all SMAT 2025 matches for free?
While some matches air on free-to-air Star Sports channels, comprehensive coverage requires a Disney+ Hotstar subscription. However, the official BCCI app provides free live scores, match highlights, and video clips. Many matches also stream on BCCI’s digital platforms with limited commentary, offering a budget-friendly viewing option.
