Vaibhav Suryavanshi (PTI Photo)

MUMBAI: In a significant policy shift, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has ruled that Under-19 and Under-16 players must play at least one First-Class match to be eligible for the Indian Premier League (IPL). The decision was finalised during the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, September 28, and will be implemented ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The move is seen as part of the board’s broader effort to strengthen the domestic cricket structure and ensure that emerging cricketers develop their skills in the longer format before entering the fast-paced world of franchise T20 cricket. By mandating exposure to First-Class cricket, the BCCI aims to create a more balanced development pathway that emphasises both technical growth and mental resilience. Over the years, the IPL has unearthed prodigious talents straight from the junior ranks, with Rajasthan Royals‘ Vaibhav Suryavanshi being one of the latest to fit inside that bucket of emerging players. But critics have often highlighted the risk of young players focusing too narrowly on T20 cricket. The new rule is expected to encourage greater participation in the Ranji Trophy and state-level competitions, adding value to India’s traditional red-ball system while also preparing players for international challenges.While this may initially limit the pool of teenage cricketers available, it is expected to result in better-prepared athletes making the transition to professional leagues. The mandate also places greater responsibility on domestic teams to provide opportunities for promising U-19 and U-16 talents, potentially leading to fresh interest in regional tournaments.For the BCCI, the measure represents a step toward striking a balance between nurturing raw talent and safeguarding the long-term quality of Indian cricket.