Ishika Aggarwal
India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all set to make a highly anticipated return to domestic cricket, representing Baroda in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024.
The tournament kicks off on November 23, just a day before the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Hardik will play under the leadership of his elder brother, Krunal Pandya, marking his first domestic appearance since the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy and his first SMAT outing since January 2016.
Hardik Pandya returns to Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after 8 Years
His last SMAT game, the 2016 final against Uttar Pradesh, played a crucial role in his rise to the international stage, as he made his India debut less than a week later against Australia at the Adelaide Oval.
“Usually, the association names 18-member squads, but this time only 17 members were initially named. Hardik has now been added,” a source told Sportstar.
Hardik’s absence from domestic cricket was largely due to his national commitments and injury setbacks. However, the BCCI has recently mandated centrally contracted players to participate in domestic tournaments when not playing for India and injury-free. This move aims to strengthen the domestic circuit, and Hardik’s inclusion reflects his compliance with the directive.
Baroda were last year’s runners-up in SMAT, and are placed in Group B alongside powerhouses like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Saurashtra. Led by Krunal Pandya, Baroda has been in fine form this domestic season, and are currently the leaders in Group A in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25.
Hardik’s return is expected to boost Baroda’s morale as they begin their SMAT campaign on November 23 against Gujarat.
