Until now, the IPL had no specific eligibility criteria for Under-16 and Under-19 players. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new rule mandating that all U16 and U19 cricketers must play at least one first-class match to qualify for the Indian Premier League (IPL). The decision was finalized during the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

This move comes after Rajasthan Royals (RR) signed Vaibhav Suryavanshi for ₹1.10 crore ahead of IPL 2025, making him the youngest-ever player in the tournament’s history at just 13 years and 243 days.

In the most recent edition, youngsters like Ayush Mhatre, Andre Siddharth, Musheer Khan, and Swastik Chikara also featured in the league. In the past, several teenagers have made their mark in including Prayas Ray Barman, who debuted for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2019 at age 16, and Allah Ghazanfar, who represented Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024 at just 15 years and 161 days.

BCCI mandates first-class cricket for U16 and U19 players to qualify for IPL

New IPL rule: U16 and U19 players must play at least one first-class match to be eligible for the league.

According to PTI, the BCCI has introduced a new rule stating that any under-16 or under-19 player must feature in at least one first-class match to be eligible for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Previously, the IPL had no age restrictions or prerequisites regarding domestic cricket experience. Franchises could pick players directly through auctions, mid-season signings, or even after tryouts.

The new mandate has been widely welcomed, with many considering it a wise step to ensure young players gain essential domestic experience before entering the high-pressure environment of the IPL. Fans believe the move will help maintain the league’s quality and ensure that players are better prepared for the challenges of top-level cricket.