BCCI Issues Strict Venue Guidelines to State Associations Ahead of IPL 2025

Ahead of the IPL 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has given strict guidelines to the state associations on how to use their facilities. The BCCI has strictly asked the respective state associations not to allow IPL franchises to use these venues. The BCCI has issued these instructions because they want the IPL stadium and outfield to be in good condition. The board has also instructed the state associations to prevent private celebrity events, including Legends League games, from being held on the ground.  

On Friday, the BCCI said in a letter sent to all IPL centers, "We would like to clarify the following things regarding the use of grounds before the IPL."

"1. The main square and outfield can be used for Ranji Trophy knockout matches, if there is a match scheduled at your venue.

2. Under no circumstances should the main square and outfield be used for practice sessions provided to any local matches, Legends League, Celebrity Cricket or IPL franchises. "

3. It is necessary to maintain the pitch and outfield in the best condition for IPL matches," the BCCI said in its instructions.  

The letter has been sent to all state units, which are the main IPL venues. These include Mumbai Cricket Association, Gujarat Cricket Association, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, Karnataka State Cricket Association, Hyderabad Cricket Association, Cricket Association of Bengal, Delhi District Cricket Association, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Punjab Cricket Association and Rajasthan Cricket Association.  Some IPL matches are also expected to be held in Guwahati and Dharamsala. The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association and the Assam Cricket Association are also believed to have received letters.  

As of now, only Kolkata's Eden Gardens is being used for the event. The Ranji Trophy quarterfinals are currently being held in Kolkata, Pune, Rajkot and Nagpur. However, the BCCI has already warned all concerned that IPL venues can be used for the semi-finals and finals of the premier first-class domestic tournament. This year the IPL is going to start on March 24. Earlier, the teams had planned to use the grounds for practice. There is no practice ground outside the Wankhede, like Kolkata's Eden Gardens and a few other venues. It will be interesting to see how the MCA reacts to this order.