BCCI to explore moving Duleep Trophy final to stadium, more live matches: Saikia

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Sunday said the board will explore the possibility of moving this season's Duleep Trophy final from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) to a stadium, while revealing that more domestic matches will be telecast live this season.BCCI to explore moving Duleep Trophy final to stadium, increase live coverage: Secretary Devajit Saikia(PTI Photo)BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Sunday said the board will look into the possibility of relocating this season's Duleep Trophy final from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) to a stadium, while revealing that the number of domestic matches being telecast live has been increased to give fans an opportunity to watch more action in real time.The 2026-27 domestic season will begin with the Duleep Trophy, which is scheduled to be held from August 23 to September 10 at the BCCI CoE.However, spectators are not allowed inside the premises, with the facility subject to restrictions that prevent crowds from being accommodated. Saikia said the board would explore the possibility of moving the final to a stadium where fans can attend the match."There are some restrictions while this land was adopted here... that we cannot have a crowd in this campus. So, that is a government restriction. We cannot violate that," Saikia told select media at the BCCI CoE on Sunday. BCCI president Mithun Manhas, VVS Laxman and joint secretary Prabhtej Singh were also present. While general spectators cannot attend matches at the CoE, Saikia said people closely associated with the teams are allowed to enter the premises."But people very close to the team members can come. But this year, we have increased the number of matches to be telecast live. That way, we are giving the fans to watch their favourite players and teams performing in the ring properly," Saikia added. The secretary said the BCCI will consider the possibility of hosting the title clash at a different venue and suggested that the final could be moved to a stadium if the logistics allow for it."That is one way, and we will definitely appreciate your suggestions on whether the final can be hosted in a stadium or not. We still have time. We'll look into that aspect. If required, we'll do that," he said.The BCCI's decision to host the tournament at the CoE means fans will not have the opportunity to watch the matches from the stands. However, Saikia said the board has sought to address the lack of spectator access by increasing the number of matches that will receive live television coverage compared to last season."But for the time being, what we have done is to increase the number of matches which are live telecasted from last year," he said.- EndsPublished By: Saurabh KumarPublished On: Aug 9, 2026 20:20 IST