BCCI takes STRICT action against state associations before IPL 2025, even franchises can not…

The BCCI has instructed state organizations to prohibit IPL franchises from utilizing certain venues. The board aims to ensure that IPL stadiums are well-maintained and that the outfields are kept in “optimal conditions.”

New Delhi: Prior to the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued strict regulations to state associations regarding the usage of their facilities. The BCCI has instructed these associations not to allow IPL franchises access to the venues. The primary aim is to ensure that the IPL stadiums are in pristine condition and that the outfields are kept in “ideal conditions.” Furthermore, the board has mandated that state associations prevent private celebrity events, such as Legends League matches, from being held on the premises.

“We would like to clarify the following regarding the usage of grounds before the IPL,” a BCCI mail, sent on Friday to all the IPL centres.

“1. The main square and the outfield may be used for the Ranji Trophy knockout matches, should any be scheduled at your venue.

2. Under no circumstances, the main square and outfield be used for any local matches, legends league, celebrity cricket or provided to the IPL franchises for practice sessions.”

“This is essential to preserve the pitch and outfield in prime conditions for the IPL matches,” BCCI directives stated.

Correspondence has been dispatched to all state units that serve as primary venues for the IPL, including the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA), Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), and Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). Additionally, some IPL matches are expected to take place in Guwahati (for Rajasthan Royals games) and Dharamsala (for Punjab games). It is likely that the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) and the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) have also received these letters.

Currently, only Eden Gardens in Kolkata is being utilized for the IPL competition, while the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals are taking place in Kolkata, Pune, Rajkot, and Nagpur. The BCCI has notified all stakeholders that several IPL venues might also be employed for the semifinals and final of the prestigious first-class domestic tournament. This announcement could disrupt the preparations of various IPL teams, which had intended to use these fields for practice sessions before the event begins on March 24. With limited practice facilities available outside of Wankhede, similar to Eden Gardens and a few other sites, it will be interesting to see how the MCA responds to this directive.