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 r

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