By Sampurna Majumder
The Rajasthan Cricket Association has declared Nathdwara as a new venue for hosting 3 Ranji Trophy matches for the 2025-2026 season, giving Rajasthan the opportunity to host four home matches. This move was initially made with the objective of more reasonable and well-equipped facilities and was allegedly motivated by increasing Sawai Mansingh costs.
Among the following groups listed, Rajasthan is placed in Elite Group D, which will face Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Mumbai, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Hyderabad and Pondicherry.
This year, the team is led by Mahipal Lomror, commencing their play against Chattisgarh on October 15 at the Madan Paliwal Miraj Sports Centre in Narthdwara. Matches with Delhi and Himachal Pradesh will also begin November 16-19 and January 22-25 respectively. The SMS will also host another match against Mumbai.
The decision is purposely taken to avoid the pressure of expensive costs imposed by the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) for the infrastructure and other facilities.
The RCA ad hoc has also kept Rajsamand as an alternative yet superior option.
DD Kumawat, the hoc panel convener, said that Nathdwara has various facilities, including 10 pitches of different natures where players can practise, and it is also well-equipped. The work on Jodhpur stadium is in process at the Chonp stadium simultaneously.
The Rajasthan team is currently busy preparing for their next match against Punjab at the new site. Kumawat added that they would play two four-match series against Punjab. The first match happened on Monday, September 22.
There will also be other matches happening, such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy featuring Mumbai, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Goa, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. It will begin from December 24 to January 18 spreading across four Jaipur venues: SMS stadium, Jaipuria Vidyala Ground, KL Saini Stadium and Anantam Ground.