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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 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, however private celebrity events and other leagues like Legends League Cricket are forbidden, according to the board.
BCCI’s directive to the state associations
“We would like to clarify the following regarding the usage of grounds before the IPL,” a BCCI mail, sent on Friday to all the IPL centres, stated.
“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,” it stated.
The state associations to which the directive has been sent are 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).
Other venues which have hosted IPL games despite not being home grounds of several franchises are Guwahati (for Rajasthan Royals games) and Dharamsala (for Punjab Kings games). As per reports, the letters have also potentially been received by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) and the Assam Cricket Association (ACA).
With this directive, the venues such as Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai might come in a spot of bother as they do not have a practice ground other than the stadiums. It is worth noting that Eden Gardens is the only IPL venue which is hosting Ranji Trophy quarterfinals right now.
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