Vijay Hazare Trophy Winners List (2002–2026)

The Vijay Hazare Trophy stands as one of India’s most prestigious domestic one-day cricket tournaments. Named after legendary Indian cricketer Vijay Hazare, this List A competition is a proving ground for rising stars and seasoned veterans alike. Established as a national competition in the early 2000s, it has grown into a fiercely contested championship featuring teams from all across India’s domestic circuit.

The tournament, administered annually by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), tests teams in 50-over matches—mirroring One Day Internationals (ODIs) in format—and provides selectors with a stage to identify future international talent. Over the years, the Trophy has delivered historic performances, dramatic finals, and a showcase of the depth of Indian cricket beyond the international stage.

Origins and Format Evolution

Before 2002, the Vijay Hazare format operated regionally—winning the North, South, East, West, or Central zonal titles—without an overall national final. This zonal era, spanning from 1993–94 to 2001–02, identified top zonal representatives rather than a true national champion.

From the 2002–03 season onwards, the competition adopted a national structure where state and institutional teams played across zones before contesting a final to crown a champion team. This change marked the beginning of the true Vijay Hazare Trophy as fans recognize it today.

Complete Winners List: 2002–03 to 2025–26

Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of champions and runners-up since the tournament adopted its national format (2002–03):

Dominant Teams and Records

Karnataka and Tamil Nadu: Most Successful Teams

Over the past two decades, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have emerged as the most successful sides in the tournament’s history, each clinching the title five times. Karnataka’s victories span the modern era (2013-14, 2014-15, 2017-18, 2019-20, 2024-25), demonstrating consistent excellence across formats. Tamil Nadu’s early dominance helped establish the Trophy’s competitive pedigree with wins in the early 2000s and resurgence in 2016-17.

Mumbai: A Consistent Force

Mumbai, a powerhouse in Indian domestic cricket, has claimed four titles. Their victories in the mid-2000s and late 2010s show sustained competitiveness under changing cricketing landscapes.

Emerging Winners: Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Vidarbha

The tournament’s expanding competitiveness is best reflected in recent seasons, with teams like Himachal Pradesh (2021-22) securing their first title and Haryana (2023-24) winning their maiden trophy. In 2025-26, Vidarbha marked a historic breakthrough with their first Vijay Hazare Trophy win, signaling the growth of cricketing talent across the regions.

Shared Titles and Unique Moments

The 2004-05 season remains unique for being the only time the final ended in a tie, with Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh sharing the trophy—an unusual result that added to the narrative legacy of the tournament.

Notable Finals and Performances

Over the years, the Vijay Hazare Trophy has produced legendary individual and team performances:

• Tamil Nadu’s Back-to-Back Wins (2008–10): Tamil Nadu dominated Bengal in successive finals, showcasing batting strength and consistency.
• Karnataka’s Resurgence (2013–15): Karnataka asserted itself as a powerhouse, defending its title and laying the groundwork for repeated success.
• Himachal Pradesh Upset (2021–22): In one of the tournament’s most memorable finals, Himachal Pradesh defeated Tamil Nadu, marking a major achievement for cricket in the state.
• Vidarbha’s Historic Victory (2025–26): Vidarbha’s first title featured a commanding performance led by Atharva Taide’s century, underscoring how domestic cricket offers platforms for emerging heroes.

Impact on Indian Cricket

The Vijay Hazare Trophy’s true influence lies not just in silverware but in nurturing talent. Many players use this competition as a springboard to national selection. Performances here often lead to opportunities in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international cricket because selectors closely monitor domestic List A stats.

Notable stars, including those born in domestic circuits, have polished their craft in this tournament before progressing to international prominence. The exposure to competitive one-day cricket often translates into better readiness for ODI challenges on the global stage.

Tournament Trends and Evolution

Competitive Balance

Initially dominated by a few elite teams, the latter years have seen a greater spread of champions, reflecting improved infrastructure and coaching across Indian states. Teams like Haryana and Himachal Pradesh clinching titles break the mold of traditional dominance, showcasing the widening pool of talent.

Increased Fan Engagement

With every edition streamed and covered widely, the Vijay Hazare Trophy has gained popularity among cricket fans in India. It has become a must-watch for enthusiasts who follow domestic cricket closely and scout the next generation of Indian stars.

Conclusion

The Vijay Hazare Trophy has come a long way since its inception as a zonal tournament to its present status as a national championship showcasing some of the best cricketing talent in India. From Tamil Nadu and Karnataka’s dominance to Vidarbha’s maiden triumph in 2025–26, the competition continues to shape the landscape of Indian cricket. Each edition writes a new chapter, adding depth and excitement to India’s domestic cricket narrative.

As the trophy approaches future seasons (including 2026–27 and beyond), fans and players alike will look to this competition as both a battleground and a breeding ground for India’s next cricketing stars.