Chandigarh | August 19, 2025 – After a long wait of nearly 13 years, the Punjab men’s senior cricket team is all set to make its much-anticipated return to the prestigious All India Buchi Babu Invitational Cricket Tournament 2025, hosted by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). Punjab will begin their campaign with their opening match today, August 19, marking a new chapter in the team’s red-ball cricket journey.
A Crucial Step Towards Red-Ball Revival
The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) has expressed that its participation in this tournament is not just about competing but also about preparing for the highly competitive domestic cricket season, especially the Ranji Trophy 2025-26.
“The PCA views this as a valuable opportunity to strengthen our red-ball cricket structure. Playing in the Buchi Babu tournament will give our players the right exposure and momentum ahead of the Ranji Trophy,” said a PCA spokesperson.
This move highlights PCA’s renewed focus on traditional cricket formats, aiming to balance the rising influence of T20 cricket with a strong red-ball foundation.
Rigorous Preparation at Mohali
In preparation for the tournament, the Punjab squad underwent an intensive training camp at the PCA Stadium in Mohali from August 10 to 14. The camp was supervised by an experienced coaching panel led by head coach Sandeep Sharma, along with assistant coaches Uday Kaul and Gagandeep Singh Toor, and fielding coach Sandeep Sawal.
The training sessions focused on sharpening batting techniques, bowling discipline, and fielding drills to ensure that the team steps into the tournament well-prepared.
Punjab Squad for Buchi Babu 2025
The team will be captained by Anmolpreet Singh, a dependable batter with experience in domestic and IPL cricket. The squad includes a blend of young talent and seasoned players:
- Anmolpreet Singh (Captain)
- Uday Pratap Saharan
- Salil Arora
- Aradhya Shukla
- Raghu Shivam Sharma
- Pukhraj Mann
- Harnoor Singh Pannu
- Ramandeep Singh
- Jass Inder Singh
- Ashwani Kumar
- Krish Bhagat
- Anmol Malhotra
- Gurnoor Singh Brar
With this balanced line-up, Punjab is expected to pose a strong challenge to opponents in the tournament.
PCA’s Long-Term Vision
PCA Joint Secretary Siddhant Sharma emphasized the importance of this participation, saying:
“The PCA remains committed to nurturing top-quality cricket talent. This exposure to red-ball competition will play a crucial role in shaping our players’ careers and boosting their confidence for the upcoming domestic season.”
Why Buchi Babu Tournament Matters
The Buchi Babu Tournament, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious invitational cricket tournaments, has historically been a platform where budding cricketers showcase their skills against quality opposition. For Punjab, this is not just a comeback but a strategic move to ensure its players gain valuable experience in multi-day cricket.
Looking Ahead
As Punjab takes the field today, expectations are high from both players and fans. With the right blend of preparation, talent, and intent, the team is determined to make a strong impact and re-establish itself as a formidable force in red-ball cricket.
The tournament will be a true test of skill and temperament, and Punjab’s return after over a decade makes their journey even more significant.