IPL 2025: BCCI takes a tough stance on IPL venues; sends strict guidelines to state associations
Published - 09 Feb 2025, 11:51 AM | Updated - 09 Feb 2025, 11:35 PM
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken strong action to maintain the grounds in top-notch condition for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025). Actually, the BCCI has laid down strict rules for all the state cricket associations regarding the use of their cricket grounds ahead of the IPL 2025.
The Indian Cricket Board wants to ensure that all IPL venues are in top condition, with well-maintained pitches and outfields for the upcoming season, and for this, they have directed state associations not to allow IPL franchises to use these grounds for practice sessions.
No practice on stadiums before IPL 2025, as BCCI issues strict rules to state associations
Additionally, the BCCI has made it clear that all IPL venues cannot be used for private events, including celebrity cricket matches or Legends League Cricket (LLC) games. However, the board has made only one exception for the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25.
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The board said that the grounds can be used only if the Ranji Trophy knockout matches are scheduled at a venue. The apex body believes that protecting the pitch and outfield is crucial to hosting smooth and high-quality matches in the upcoming IPL 2025.
At present, the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 quarterfinals are being held in Kolkata, Pune, Rajkot, and Nagpur. However, Kolkata’s Eden Gardens is the only IPL venue that is being used for the tournament. As the BCCI has not yet announced the venues for the semifinals and final of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25, some IPL venues might be considered for those encounters.
BCCI issues precautionary notice to IPL venues ahead of Ranji Trophy 2024-25 semifinals and final
And if the IPL venues are selected for the Ranji Trophy semifinals and final, the BCCI has already issued a precautionary notice to all relevant parties in advance to ensure the grounds remain in top condition for the world’s biggest T20 extravaganza, starting on March 24.
As reported by Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India wrote in an email sent to all the state associations: “We would like to clarify the following regarding the usage of grounds before the IPL. 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 should the main square and outfield be used for any local matches, legends league, or 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 sends directives to all associations that will host the IPL 2025 matches
Meanwhile, the main IPL venues include 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).
It is being said that the communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India has been sent to all these state associations. Additionally, Guwahati (for Rajasthan Royals games) and Dharamsala (for Punjab Kings matches) are also expected to host some IPL 2025 fixtures, which means the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) and Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) may have also received the mail from the board.
