History of Moin-Ud-Dowlah

Late Nawab Moin-Ud-Dowlah was a great patron of the game. He started this tournament in 1931 when the Behram-Ud-Dowlah was slowly losing its popularity. In 1936, the trophy was won by Maharaj Kumar of Vizianagaram XI. The Maharaj Kumar retained the trophy which was supposed to be a rolling one. The Nawab donated one more trophy (the present one) which is valued at about Rs.8.10 lakhs. Between 1942-62, the tournament was only a local affair (the present senior Zonal Tournament). The Association then revived the same as an All India tournament in 1962 and is played so since then. Due to heavy domestic and international program drawn out by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the tournament was not conducted during the years 1979, 1985 to 1987.

The Golden Jubliee of the Tournament was celebrated in 1980. The Moin-Ud-Dowlah Gold Cup shall be presented to the winning team, along with the replica. While the Gold Cup shall be retained in the custody of the Association, the winners shall retain the replica. The runners shall be presented with the SM Hadi Memorial Trophy which they shall retain.

Uptill 1984 it was of 3 days Knock-Out and the Final was of 4 days. The Cream of Indian Cricketers used to participate, Teams from neighbouring countries also played in this tournament.

Due to the tack of support and patronage the prestigious Moin-Ud- Dowlah which used be the basis for Indian selection during its peak has lost its charm. There have been many changes in the form of sponsors each year.

This year it is sponsored by the Coromandel King Group from Chennai.