What Is 2019–20 Senior Women's One Day Trophy

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019–20 Senior Women's One Day Trophy was the 16th edition of India's premier 50-over women's cricket tournament, held from October 2019 to February 2020, featuring 27 teams across Elite and Plate groups.

Key Facts

27 teams participated in the 2019–20 Senior Women's One Day Trophy
Competition ran from October 2019 to February 2020
Matches were played in a round-robin group stage followed by knockout rounds
Bengal won the tournament, defeating Karnataka in the final
Elite and Plate groups structured the initial phase of the competition

Overview

The 2019–20 Senior Women's One Day Trophy marked the 16th edition of India's premier domestic women's 50-over cricket competition, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This tournament serves as a critical platform for identifying and nurturing female cricketing talent across the country, feeding into the national team setup.

Conducted between October 2019 and February 2020, the competition featured a record 27 teams, reflecting the growing depth and geographical reach of women's cricket in India. The structure included group stages followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a final that showcased high-level domestic performance.

27 teams participated, the highest in the tournament’s history, divided into Elite and Plate groups to accommodate regional representation and competitive balance.
The competition began in October 2019, with group-stage matches progressing regionally before advancing to zonal and national-level rounds.
Teams were grouped into Elite Groups A, B, and C, while the Plate Group housed emerging teams aiming for promotion through strong performances.
The final, held in February 2020, saw Bengal defeat Karnataka by 5 wickets to claim their first Senior Women's One Day Trophy title.
Each match followed 50-over format rules, adhering to international standards, providing players with experience under professional match conditions.

How It Works

The tournament’s format was designed to balance inclusivity with competitiveness, allowing both established and developing state teams to participate in structured phases.

Group Stage: Teams in Elite Groups A, B, and C played round-robin matches; top teams advanced to knockout rounds, ensuring high-stakes competition.
Plate Group: Functioned as a secondary tier; top performers earned promotion to Elite status for the following season, incentivizing development.
Knockout Rounds: Quarterfinals, semifinals, and final were single-elimination matches, increasing intensity and testing mental resilience under pressure.
Venues: Matches were hosted across multiple Indian cities, including Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur, promoting regional engagement and accessibility.
Player Eligibility: Restricted to Indian domestic players; no overseas participants, maintaining focus on national talent development.
Umpiring & Regulations: Matches were officiated by BCCI-certified umpires and followed standard ICC playing conditions for women’s ODIs.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019–20 Senior Women's One Day Trophy with previous editions and similar tournaments:

Tournament Aspect	2019–20 Edition	Prior Edition (2018–19)	Men's Counterpart (2019–20)
Number of Teams	27	24	38
Tournament Duration	4 months (Oct–Feb)	4 months (Oct–Feb)	5 months (Dec–Apr)
Format	50 overs per side	50 overs per side	50 overs per side
Champion	Bengal	Mumbai	Mumbai (Vijay Hazare Trophy)
Participation Growth (YoY)	+12.5% increase from prior year	+8% from 2017–18	Stable at 38 teams

The data highlights a growing investment in women’s domestic cricket, with increased participation and tighter scheduling. While still smaller than the men’s Vijay Hazari Trophy, the upward trend in team numbers signals progress in gender equity within Indian cricket infrastructure.

Why It Matters

The 2019–20 Senior Women's One Day Trophy was more than a domestic competition—it was a catalyst for visibility, opportunity, and long-term development in women's cricket.

Bengal’s victory marked a shift in dominance, breaking Mumbai’s recent streak and proving competitive depth beyond traditional powerhouses.
The tournament provided over 500 female athletes with competitive match experience, vital for national team selection pipelines.
Strong performances led to 12 players being scouted for national camp invitations, including eventual India squad members.
Increased media coverage compared to prior years helped boost visibility of women’s domestic cricket on digital platforms.
The BCCI used this edition to test new regulations, including concussion substitutes and DRS trials in select matches.
Hosting matches in tier-2 cities expanded grassroots engagement and inspired young girls to pursue cricket professionally.

As India aims to strengthen its global standing in women’s cricket, tournaments like the Senior Women's One Day Trophy play an indispensable role in building a sustainable, competitive ecosystem from the ground up.