IPL 2025: BCCI Restricts IPL Venues for Cricket Use Only!

The state cricket associations that own IPL grounds have received a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prohibiting any franchises from using the outfield for any other purpose prior to the start of the competition. It was mentioned that a number of franchisees are interested in using the locations for practice sessions prior to the start of the 2025 edition.  

The BCCI has really instructed the pertinent state organizations to deny the IPL 2025 franchises any permission to use these stadiums. The BCCI's main goal is to ensure that IPL stadiums are kept spotless and that the outfields are maintained in "ideal conditions." Regarding this, the board has also instructed the state associations to forbid private celebrity gatherings, such as Legends League matches, from occurring on the property.

The directive was implemented in an effort to maintain the outfield and keep it in good condition for the lucrative competition, the top Indian cricket authority further stated. The outfield may be used for Ranji Trophy knockout matches, but private celebrity events and other leagues like Legends League Cricket are forbidden, according to the board. A BCCI mail, sent on Friday to all the IPL centres stated-

BCCI Statement Before IPL 2025:

Excellent decision my BCCI to not allow any usage of the main square for any sort of matches as it instructs unless scheduled not to allow any games at the venues to host IPL so they remain fresh for #IPL2025 season #PBKS pic.twitter.com/0G3iXbDNSF

— AARYAN (@AARYAN0791) February 9, 2025

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA), Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), and Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) are the state associations to which the directive has been forwarded.

While the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals are presently taking place in Kolkata, Pune, Rajkot, and Nagpur, the competition is only being held at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, an IPL venue. However, the BCCI has warned all stakeholders in advance that the semifinals and final of the premier first-class domestic event may be held at a number of IPL locations. Naturally, several IPL teams' strategies may have been hampered by the mandate. They had intended to utilize the fields for practice before the event, which is scheduled to begin on March 24.

It will be fascinating to see how the MCA responds to the directive because there aren't any practice grounds outside of Wankhede, unlike Eden Gardens in Kolkata and a few other places.

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