The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued strict instructions to state associations regarding the usage of IPL venues ahead of the upcoming season. According to Cricbuzz, the BCCI has directed state associations not to allow IPL franchises to use these grounds for practice sessions or other events. This move is aimed at preserving the quality of the pitch and outfield to ensure the grounds remain in optimal condition for IPL matches.
A BCCI email sent to IPL centres on Friday clarified the following: “We would like to clarify the following regarding the usage of grounds before the IPL,” it stated.
The mail went on to say:
“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,” the BCCI further emphasized.
The directive has impacted IPL franchises, as many had intended to use the grounds for practice sessions before the tournament, which begins on March 24. The BCCI’s instructions prohibit the use of IPL venues for private events such as celebrity matches or Legends League games. This is to prevent any damage to the grounds ahead of the high-profile IPL season.
The venues affected by this directive include those of 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). In addition, Guwahati and Dharamsala, which will host some IPL matches, are likely to have received similar instructions from the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) and Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA).
Currently, venues in Kolkata, Pune, Rajkot, and Nagpur are hosting Ranji Trophy quarterfinals, with Eden Gardens in Kolkata being the only IPL venue in use for the tournament. However, as the semifinals and final of the Ranji Trophy approach, some IPL venues may be used, prompting the BCCI to issue this precautionary notice in advance.
This directive may pose challenges for state associations and IPL franchises, especially in cities where there are limited practice facilities outside the main stadiums, such as at Wankhede in Mumbai and Eden Gardens in Kolkata. It remains to be seen how these venues will adapt to the BCCI’s instructions as the IPL season draws near.
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