The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held its 28th Apex Council Meeting on June 14, 2025, addressing key issues impacting Indian cricket and outlining strategic initiatives for the upcoming season. The meeting also reflected on recent tragic events, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to safety and better management.
Condolences and Response to Recent Incident:
The BCCI expressed heartfelt condolences regarding the unfortunate incidents in Ahmedabad (plane crash) and Bengaluru (stampede). The stampede, which occurred during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) IPL 2025 victory parade, resulted in multiple casualties, prompting the council to take swift action.
To prevent similar tragedies, the Apex Council decided to establish a special committee tasked with drafting comprehensive safety guidelines for large-scale celebrations.
Led by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, the committee includes Prabhtej Singh Bhatia and Rajeev Shukla. They have been allocated 15 days to develop and present their recommendations, aiming to ensure the safety of fans and participants during future events.
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Enhancing Umpiring Standards:
Recognizing the importance of maintaining high standards in officiating, the BCCI announced the formation of a dedicated Working Group comprising five former international umpire coaches. Their role will be to mentor Indian umpires, refining their decision-making skills and on-field performance.
Additionally, a separate group of three former Match Referees will be tasked with monitoring and supporting current referees through regular feedback and evaluations. These initiatives aim to elevate the quality of umpiring and refereeing across all levels of Indian cricket.
Upcoming Series and Domestic Season Schedule
The Apex Council also confirmed the venues for India’s upcoming white-ball home series against New Zealand scheduled for early 2026. Furthermore, the council approved the comprehensive schedule for the 2025–26 domestic cricket season.
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The season will commence with the Duleep Trophy on August 28, 2025, and culminate with the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Multi-Day Trophy on April 3, 2026. These decisions reflect BCCI’s focus on strengthening domestic cricket infrastructure while preparing the national team for international challenges.