Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy begins on Nov 26, big chance for emerging players to audition before IPL 2026 auction News24 –
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) has grown into one of the most important domestic T20 competitions in India, serving as a critical platform for players to showcase their skills ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. This year’s edition, starting on November 26, comes at the perfect time for players to impress scouts and franchises, as the IPL auction is scheduled for December 16. Unlike last year, when teams had very limited games to assess talent, players progressing to the Super League phase will have completed nine matches. This extended exposure gives franchises more time to evaluate form, fitness, and temperament under competitive conditions, helping them make informed decisions during the auction. For many domestic cricketers, SMAT now represents more than just a trophy it is a chance to secure an IPL contract and gain national recognition.
Domestic Stars Eye IPL Opportunities
The tournament allows fringe and domestic players to showcase their skills, with IPL franchises closely monitoring performances.
After completing five rounds of four-day Ranji Trophy cricket, players will transition to high-intensity T20 cricket in SMAT. This season features Elite (32 teams) and Plate (six teams) divisions to improve competition and parity. The Elite division now follows a round-robin Super League phase, leading directly to the final on December 18.
IPL Stars Missing, New Players Get Chance
This season, many Indian stars will miss SMAT due to the home T20I series against South Africa starting December 9. Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy, who played key roles last season, will largely be absent during the Super League phase. This opens opportunities for players like Riyan Parag (Assam) and Venkatesh Iyer (Madhya Pradesh) to shine.
Proven IPL performers released by franchises will also look to make an impact. Players such as Deepak Hooda, Ravi Bishnoi, Vijay Shankar, Mayank Agarwal, Rahul Tripathi, and Prithvi Shaw will aim to impress and secure spots among the 46 available Indian player slots in the upcoming auction.
All-Rounders and Pacers in Focus
Identifying reliable all-rounders and seam bowlers remains a priority for Indian teams. The tournament last season highlighted talent like Prerak Mankad, Venkatesh Iyer, Mohit Jangra, Abhishek Sharma, Karan Lal, Hardik Pandya, and Shahbaz Ahmed, who achieved notable all-round feats. India is also looking to strengthen its fast-bowling reserves, with Arshdeep Singh spearheading the attack, while Mohammad Shami is being phased out and Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are carefully managed. Emerging pacers like Auqib Nabi could be crucial for both IPL and Indian cricket.
High-Tempo Cricket and Power Hitting Trends
SMAT continues to reflect the shift toward faster scoring seen in the IPL. Despite scrapping the Impact Player rule last season, the tournament recorded its highest-ever run rate of 8.57. Players with high strike rates, such as Priyansh Arya (176.63) and Urvil Patel (229.92), earned IPL contracts after strong performances.
With 125 Elite division matches scheduled over 20 days, SMAT remains a vital platform for Indian talent to impress IPL franchises and advance their careers.