The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is evaluating a venue change for the upcoming Duleep Trophy final to ensure fans can attend the season’s marquee fixture. Speaking at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) alongside board president Mithun Manhas, joint secretary Prabhtej Singh, and CoE head VVS Laxman, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained that the CoE is subject to strict governmental land-use agreements that prohibit spectator entry. To accommodate supporters for the summit clash, the board plans to assess moving the final match away from the CoE to a full-fledged stadium facility.
Duleep Trophy final set for major stadium upgrade
In addition to addressing venue constraints, Saikia highlighted the board's initiative to expand live broadcast and streaming coverage across the domestic calendar. As the 2026–27 season kicks off with the Duleep Trophy running from August 23 to September 10, the increased telecast footprint aims to give supporters greater real-time access to domestic matches, ensuring broader visibility for players even when venue entry is restricted.
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BCCI plans enhanced domestic coverage
Although access to the Centre of Excellence remains off-limits to the general public, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that family members and close associates of the players will be permitted on site. To compensate for the physical entry restrictions, the board has expanded its live television and streaming footprint this season, ensuring supporters can still follow their favorite teams and athletes in real time from home.
Regarding the tournament's climax, Saikia indicated that the board is receptive to feedback and open to shifting the final to a traditional stadium. With the championship match still ahead, administrators have enough time to review logistical requirements and make the necessary arrangements to allow spectators into the stands if deemed feasible.
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Because matches at the Centre of Excellence are closed to the public, supporters will be unable to watch the tournament live from the stadium stands. To offset this lack of venue access, the board has significantly expanded its broadcast schedule compared to previous years, ensuring a larger proportion of games are televised live for fans following from home.