BCCI Enforces Strict Rules for IPL Venues-Grounds Must be Ready for Action

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strictly enforced rules and guidelines, ensuring that all venues for the Indian Premier League (IPL) season are at optimal levels so that the tournament can unfold as expected. The measures are to preserve the quality of both the pitches and outfields at the IPL stadiums as the new season approaches.

On February 7, 2025, the BCCI issued an official communication to all IPL centers, stating that the state associations should be very careful in using these grounds before the IPL. The BCCI has instructed that no local matches, celebrity cricket events, or even IPL franchise practices should take place on the primary pitches or outfields. The concern is to keep these grounds in perfect condition so that the board can have them prepared and fit for the high-profile matches IPL attracts every season.

The BCCI clearly mentioned that the grounds should not be lent out for non-cricket activities like celebrity events, including those hosted by the Legends League, which often attracts former cricket stars. This is part of a larger plan to protect the pitch and outfield in their best condition ahead of IPL matches, which will begin on March 24, 2025.

The directive further explained that though grounds can be utilized for Ranji Trophy knockout matches, if any of those are scheduled, the main square and the outfields cannot be used for anything else. "We would like to clarify that the main square and outfield should remain dedicated for the official cricketing fixtures, and under no circumstances should they be provided to IPL franchises for practice sessions," the BCCI wrote in its communication to the state units.

This announcement has wide-reaching implications for the state associations involved in IPL preparations. The major 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). These orders will also have a direct impact on venues like Guwahati and Dharamsala, which are hosting games for Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings respectively.

The reason behind such strict measures is to keep the quality of the outfields and the pitch so that an ideal playing situation is provided to the IPL where teams play with all their strength. High stakes are involved and therefore, to ensure a free and quality surface, the BCCI gives this a topmost priority.

At present, matches of Ranji Trophy quarterfinals, an elite domestic first-class cricket competition, are taking place at venues such as Eden Gardens in Kolkata, besides some other cities like Pune, Rajkot, and Nagpur. With IPL also scheduled to take place there, the busy schedule being witnessed by the stadiums might dampen its condition a bit.

In the wake of these developments, the BCCI has taken the initiative to inform the state associations that they should take proper care of these grounds, especially as the IPL season is approaching. This has upset the plans of several IPL franchises, which had planned to start their preparations by using the venues for practice sessions much in advance. The lack of dedicated practice grounds outside major venues, such as the situation at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, has compounded the challenge for teams seeking adequate space for pre-season training.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), one of the prominent clubs hosting one of the most prized IPL venues- Wankhede Stadium-the directive has taken a toll upon it. While there are just a few playgrounds outside that stadium, getting an alternate practice venue for this team's exercises is a test. Similarly, other cities for which the venues are home have to deal with logistical problems concerning the new policy. Cities of Kolkata, therefore, are equally affected.

The intention here from the BCCI is clearly aimed at having pitches in their best possible form during the big event. "We have specifically made it known to the administrators and ground staff that the surface must be maintained for fair play as well as entertainment value by this IPL.". With the tournament being at global events, the BCCI has been proactive in trying to preserve the credibility of this event by not allowing any undue wear and tear on the pitches ahead of the season.

As the season of IPL is approaching, it would be interesting to see how the franchises handle the new restrictions given to them by BCCI and alter their preparation plans accordingly. The next two weeks will explore which team is able to adapt to this innovative approach of ground management and fine-tune their strategies and player readiness for the upcoming season.