The Men behind the trophies: Tournaments and the cricketers they were named for

Zal Irani

Irani Cup

Formerly known as the Irani Trophy, this was named after ZR Irani, the former treasurer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for 14 years, from 1948 to 1962.

Initially conceived as a 25th anniversary commemorative for the Ranji Trophy, it is played between the winners of the Ranji Trophy and a team named the 'Rest of India XI', who are decided by selectors.

Who was ZR Irani?

A former cricketer himself, ZR Irani was attached to the BCCI in some capacity for over four decades until his death in 1970.

Initially on the board of treasurers, he was one of the BCCI's vice-presidents, and became its President for three years from 1966 to 1969 before his death.

It was in recognition of his long-term services to the Board that he saw a trophy named after him.

The first match of this series was played at the prestigious Feroze Shah Kotla stadium in New Delhi, with Polly Umrigar the then-captain of the Ranji Trophy winning team.

The 2016-17 season was won by the Rest of India, playing against reigning Ranji Trophy champions Gujarat.

Irani passed away in 1970.