NKP Salve Challenger Trophy


The NKP Salve Challenger Trophy, commonly referred to as the Challenger Series, was an Indian List A cricket tournament organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Established in the 1994–1995 season, it was played with the purpose of showcasing the talent that the country has, as well as providing opportunities for younger players to make an impression. The tournament was played in October every year until 2013-14 season, before the start of Ranji Trophy season.
From 1998–99 the tournament was known as the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy, named after former Board of Control for Cricket in India president N. K. P. Salve - the man who brought the World Cup to the sub-continent in 1987. The tournament was not played in 2002–03.
The annual tournament is played between three sides, consisting of 36 of the best players in India. The three teams were India Senior and India A & India B. Team names were changed for the 2006 version of this tournament. India Seniors became India Blue and India A and India B became India Red and India Green, respectively. India Senior have won 7 times including the 2005–06 edition.

Winners