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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) implemented a crucial policy change at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, September 28, concerning the eligibility of young players in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
BCCI introduces fresh eligibility criteria for U-16 and U-19 players ahead of IPL 2026
As per the Cricbuzz, the BCCI’s new rule is a significant policy shift aimed at creating a more structured pathway for young cricketers, forcing them to prioritize the longest format of the game for foundational development. The core of the new policy rules that Under-19 (U-19) and Under-16 (U-16) players must play at least one game in First-Class cricket to be considered eligible for the IPL.
This rule will be implemented ahead of the IPL 2026 season, impacting the pool of young players available for the upcoming auction and future editions of the league. Prior to this decision, IPL franchises were permitted to sign talented players from any age group, often recruiting directly from the junior ranks without a mandatory red-ball requirement. The mandate is seen as a key part of the board’s broader strategy to strengthen the domestic cricket structure, particularly the traditional red-ball system. By mandating exposure to First-Class cricket, the BCCI aims to foster a more balanced development, emphasizing technical growth and mental resilience in the emerging cricketers.
The move addresses critics who have frequently highlighted the risk of prodigious young talents focusing too narrowly on the fast-paced, high-paying world of T20 cricket. This requirement is expected to encourage greater participation in the Ranji Trophy and other senior state-level competitions, thereby adding value to India’s traditional long-format system. The rule applies even to players who may have played for the Indian colts (U-19 team) but have not yet debuted in First-Class cricket, making the Ranji Trophy a gateway to the IPL.
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Possible affect of the BCCI’s new rule on Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s IPL journey
The new policy’s immediate effect was a concern regarding Vaibhav Suryavanshi, but the Bihar teenager’s prior experience in domestic cricket ensures his continued eligibility for the IPL. The 14-year-old Suryavanshi, who debuted for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, became the youngest player to feature in the tournament, making his status a central concern upon the policy’s announcement.
Cricbuzz further stated that IPL CEO Hemang Amin clarified that Suryavanshi’s participation in IPL 2026 will not be affected by the new rule, making him an eligible player despite his age. The reason for his exemption is that he has already represented his state, Bihar, in domestic cricket across all formats, including playing a crucial five First-Class matches in the Ranji Trophy last year. Suryavanshi, who also plays for the U-19 side, caught the world’s attention with his talent and hitting ability in IPL 2025, scoring 252 runs in seven innings at a remarkable strike rate of 206. The rule is expected to result in better-prepared athletes making the transition to the IPL by ensuring they possess the technical and mental discipline developed through First-Class matches.
