Cooch Behar Trophy
Organised by Board of Control for Cricket in India · BCCI
Age Group
Under-19
Typical Dates
October–December
Format
Zonal group stage + knockout semifinals and final (4-day matches)
Prize Pool
BCCI match fees; performance bonuses
About This Tournament
BCCI's Under-19 inter-zonal cricket championship, one of the most prestigious junior tournaments in India. Many current Indian internationals (Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma) played in this tournament. It is the primary gateway to the India U-19 World Cup squad.
Development Tournament: Designed to build competitive experience and feed players into the national ranking pipeline.
The Ranking Circuit
The Cooch Behar Trophy is the most important tournament in the BCCI junior system. The ladder: school/district cricket → Vijay Merchant Trophy (U-16) → state U-19 trials → Cooch Behar Trophy (U-19 inter-zonal). BCCI selectors formally sit at every Cooch Behar match. Players who perform here are shortlisted for the India U-19 camp and, from there, the India U-19 World Cup squad. After the U-19 stage, players enter the Vinoo Mankad Trophy (U-25) circuit before joining the Ranji Trophy senior squad. The Cooch Behar Trophy has produced Virat Kohli (captain of India's 2008 U-19 World Cup winning team), Rohit Sharma, and dozens of current India internationals — performing here is a career-defining moment in any cricketer's development.
At a Glance
Established in 1945–46 as India's first national schoolboy cricket competition.
Transitioned to an Under-19 interstate tournament in the 1987–88 season.
Features four-day first-class matches, aligning with senior domestic cricket.
All BCCI-affiliated state/regional associations (over 35) field teams.
Premier U-19 first-class tournament, crucial pathway for young talent.
Many prominent international cricketers played in this tournament.
Important — Read Before Registering
- 1
Strict age eligibility: players must be under 19 as of Sept 1st; birth certificates and TW3 test mandatory.
- 2
Zero-tolerance policy against age fraud: 2-year ban for fake documents, permanent ban from age-group events.
- 3
Domicile fraud results in a 2-year ban; specific passport/address rules apply from 2026-27.
- 4
Players must be registered online by state associations; inter-state transfer deadline is Sept 30th.
Age Categories & Eligibility
Under-19
Age eligibility is determined by the player's age as of the cutoff date in the official tournament circular. Confirm exact dates on the BCCI website before registering.
How Players Are Selected
Players are selected by the BCCI's Junior National Selection Committee based on performance in feeder tournaments like the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and Under-19 Challenger. Eligibility requires players to be under 19 as of Sept 1st of the season, with strict age verification including birth certificates and TW3 bone age tests.
Competition Format
Zonal group stage + knockout semifinals and final (4-day matches)
What this means for your child
Your child is guaranteed at least the group-stage matches regardless of results, giving them consistent competitive experience before the pressure of knockout rounds begins.
Cost & Awards
Entry Fee
No explicit entry fees mentioned for players; selected players receive match fees.
Prizes & Awards
Champions receive ₹6 lakhs and the Cooch Behar Trophy; runner-up gets ₹2 lakhs; losing semi-finalists ₹1 lakh each. State associations may offer additional rewards. Key non-cash benefits include selection to India U-19 team, NCA camps, and Player of the Match/Series awards from 2024-25.
Qualification Journey
The typical path a player follows to reach this tournament:
- 1
District U-19 cricket
- 2
Vijay Merchant Trophy (U-16)
- 3
State U-19 trials
- 4
Zonal squad
- 5
Cooch Behar Trophy
This tournament
How to Enter — Step by Step
Follow these steps in order. Starting early gives your child a significant advantage — many entry slots fill quickly.
- 1
Play state-level cricket in the U-16 and U-19 categories
- 2
Register with your State Cricket Association and attend U-19 trials
- 3
Get selected into your state's U-19 squad (selected players are grouped into zones)
- 4
Participate in the zonal round-robin matches (5-day format)
- 5
Top teams advance to the national knockout stage
What Your Child Stands to Gain
Competing in Cooch Behar Trophy creates measurable, lasting value — beyond the result on the day.
National ranking points
Results here feed directly into the national Cricket ranking system. A strong performance moves your child significantly up the rankings, making them eligible for higher-level invitation events.
Official competition record
Every result in this tournament goes on your child's official Cricket record, which selectors and federation coaches reference during team announcements.
Exposure to higher-level competition
Competing against athletes from across the country — or state — builds both technical skill and mental resilience faster than any training camp.
Scholarship eligibility
Players who medal at national development tournaments automatically qualify for government sports scholarships (SAI, Khelo India, and state schemes), which can be worth ₹5 lakh per year.
Organising Federation
Board of Control for Cricket in India
BCCI is the national governing body for cricket in India, founded in 1928.
Visit BCCI Official WebsiteCommon Questions from Parents
Does my child need prior federation registration to participate?
Yes. Your child must hold a valid BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) membership, obtained through your State Cricket Association. Without this, your child cannot be listed in the official draw. PowerMySport can handle this registration for you as part of our concierge service.
What age group does my child qualify for?
This is an Under-19 event. Confirm your child's exact eligibility against the official age-cutoff date published in the tournament circular, available on the BCCI website.
What is the typical duration of this tournament?
The format is: Zonal group stage + knockout semifinals and final (4-day matches). Depending on your child's progression and the number of entries in their category, plan for 3–7 days of competition. Families should book accommodation and travel with flexibility for knockout advancement.
What if my child doesn't qualify through the standard route?
State associations are allocated a fixed number of spots. If your child narrowly misses selection, two options remain: (1) apply directly to BCCI for a wildcard spot, which some editions offer to high-ranked players, or (2) focus on the next qualifying tournament in the cycle to build a stronger record. Our team at PowerMySport can advise on the specific appeals process.
Are there any costs beyond the entry fee?
No explicit entry fees mentioned for players; selected players receive match fees. Additionally, families are responsible for travel, accommodation, and meals unless otherwise stated in the official tournament circular.