The original format was that five teams, drawn from the five zones, play each other on a knock-out basis. From the 1993-94 season, the competition has been converted to a league format. The first Ranji Trophy played in the 1934-35 season. The Trophy was donate by H.H. Sir Bhupendra Singh Mahinder Bahadur, Maharajah of Patiala in memory of His late Highness Sir Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji of Nawanagar. Each state have own team.
Some states have more than one cricket team.
There are also 'odd' teams like Railways, and Services representing the Armed forces.