Written by:
OCBG Editorial Team
BCCI Introduces New IPL Eligibility Criteria for Young Players
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Updated
The IPL 2026 season is still a ways off, but officials are already working on the rules that franchises will need to adhere to. One such pivotal rule was introduced at the end of September during the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
What’s the issue?
During the AGM, the BCCI introduced a new rule concerning players under the ages of 16 and 19. To play in the IPL at these ages, they must first participate in at least one First-Class cricket game (for example, in the Ranji Trophy). The intention behind this rule is to help young talents focus on adapting to a more technical and endurance-demanding format of the game before transitioning to the fast-paced T20 format in the IPL.
The rule is expected to be in effect for the IPL 2026 season. It could have impacted the career of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who debuted in the league in 2025 at the age of 14. He became the youngest cricketer in the league’s history and performed exceptionally well (252 runs in seven innings). However, the new rule will not apply to him because the cricketer already meets the new requirements. Before the IPL, he participated in 5 matches for his state team, Bihar, in the Ranji Trophy.