The 2025 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (Elite Group) will be played across 11 venues in five cities from November 26 to December 18. A total of 32 teams, which are divided into four groups of eight each, will fight for the top prize. In the tournament where players will have a chance to attract franchises’ attention ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, many top players will also feature. Here’s a look at 10 top players who are set to headline SMAT 2025:
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Bihar): 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi will captain Bihar in the 2025 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. (Picture Credit: PTI)
Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai): India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has been included in Mumbai’s SMAT 2025 squad, which will be led by Shardul Thakur. (Picture Credit: AP)
Abhishek Sharma (Punjab): World No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma will play for Punjab in SMAT 2025. (Picture Credit: AP)
Hardik Pandya (Baroda): Hardik Pandya will make his comeback to competitive cricket with SMAT 2025. He is included in Baroda’s squad, which will be led by his elder brother Krunal. (Picture Credit: PTI)
Arshdeep Singh (Punjab): Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who is India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, will play for Punjab in SMAT 2025. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Mohammed Shami (Bengal): Mohammed Shami is part of Bengal’s SMAT 2025 squad, and he will lead the bowling attack for the Abhimanyu Easwaran-led side. (Picture Credit: PTI)
Sanju Samson (Kerala): Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who recently joined CSK from RR, will captain Kerala in SMAT 2025. (Picture Credit: AP)
Prithvi Shaw (Maharashtra): Prithvi Shaw will open for Maharashtra in SMAT 2025. After Gaikwad’s selection in the ODI team, he has been named as Maharashtra captain. (Picture Credit: PTI)
Rinku Singh (Uttar Pradesh): Rinku Singh, who is a member of India’ T20I team, will represent Uttar Pradesh in SMAT 2025. (Picture Credit: AP)
Jitesh Sharma (Baroda): Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma will also be in action for Baroda in the premier domestic T20 tournament. (Picture Credit: AP)
