The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken firm steps to keep the cricket grounds in excellent condition for the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025). They have set strict rules for state cricket associations on how to use their grounds before the IPL.
The BCCI wants all IPL venues to have well-maintained pitches and outfields for the upcoming season. To achieve this, they have instructed state associations not to let IPL teams use these grounds for practice sessions.
BCCI enforces strict rules: No stadium practice before IPL 2025
The BCCI has also stated that IPL venues cannot be used for private events, such as celebrity cricket matches or Legends League Cricket (LLC) games. The only exception is for the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25. The board has allowed grounds to be used only if they are hosting Ranji Trophy knockout matches. The BCCI believes that protecting the pitch and outfield is essential for smooth and high-quality matches in the upcoming IPL 2025.
Currently, the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 quarterfinals are being held in Kolkata, Pune, Rajkot, and Nagpur. Among these, Kolkata’s Eden Gardens is the only IPL venue in use. Since the BCCI has not yet announced the venues for the semifinals and final of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, some IPL venues might be considered for these matches.
BCCI sends warning to IPL venues before Ranji Trophy 2024-25 semifinals and final
If IPL venues are chosen for the Ranji Trophy semifinals and final, the BCCI has already sent a precautionary notice to all relevant parties to ensure the grounds stay in top condition for the IPL, starting on March 24.
According to Cricbuzz, the BCCI wrote in an email to all state associations: “We would like to clarify the following regarding the usage of grounds before the IPL.
- The main square and the outfield may be used for the Ranji Trophy knockout matches, should any be scheduled at your venue.
- 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 issues guidelines to all associations hosting IPL 2025 matches.
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).
Reports indicate that the Board of Control for Cricket in India has communicated with 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, suggesting that the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) and Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) may have also received the notice.