The BCCI Apex Council on Saturday decided to re-introduce the traditional inter-zonal format for the Duleep Trophy — the first-class tournament for six regions.

Last year, the Ajit Agarkar-led national selection committee had picked squads on the basis of players’ performance in the Ranji Trophy. However, North, South, East, West, Central and North-East Zones will now compete for the Duleep Trophy title instead of A, B, C and D teams competing in Challenger Trophy format.