On Duleep Trophy matchdays at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) on the outskirts of Bengaluru last year, there was a familiar sight. A small group of enthusiastic fans would gather near the gates, hoping to watch some of the country’s finest domestic cricketers in action.

But more often than not, they were left disappointed. Security personnel would bluntly tell them that spectators were not allowed inside. The fans would linger for a while and try their luck but would reluctantly walk away eventually. On one occasion, a person claiming to be a player’s relative had to make several phone calls and wait for hours before finally being permitted entry.

It was an odd situation for a tournament of the Duleep Trophy’s stature.

This is not an isolated instance. When Karnataka hosted Kerala in a Ranji Trophy match at the Alur grounds here, spectators eager to catch a glimpse of Sanju Samson were not allowed.

That is why the BCCI’s decision to move this season’s Duleep Trophy final from the CoE to Chennai’s M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, specifically to accommodate fans, is more than just a change of venue. It is a welcome acknowledgement that domestic cricket needs an audience.

When BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was asked why spectators could not attend the matches, he said that the Board would consider moving the final. Around 10 days later, it did just that.

Crowd presence does more than enliven the stands. A cheer can provide an emotional lift to players in the often unsung setting of First Class cricket.

The Duleep Trophy may not have the glamour of the IPL or international cricket, but for generations of players, it has been a significant stepping stone to the National team.

The fans deserve to be a part of the journey.

This time last year, when the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy was held at the BCCI’s sprawling Centre of Excellence (CoE) in the city outskirts, supporters were a disappointed lot.

The first-round matches of the domestic cricket season-opener were not broadcast on television and the whole tournament was held behind closed doors. However, in glad tidings for the fans, the 2026-27 edition, which begins on August 23 at the CoE, will see an increased share of matches on television.

And the BCCI even said that it would explore the option of holding at least the final at a proper stadium which can seat an audience. “There are some government restrictions to how we use this land and because of that, we cannot have crowds in this campus,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said on Sunday while answering a question from The Hindu.

“But this year, we have increased the number of matches to be telecast. That way, we are giving fans the chance to watch their favourite players and teams. We definitely appreciate your suggestion to see whether the final can be hosted in a stadium. We still have time and we’ll look into that aspect.”

With Indian cricket in the throes of an injury crisis, the latest being Jasprit Bumrah and B. Sai Sudharsan’s absence from the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka, V.V.S. Laxman, head of BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), defended the institution’s injury-management methods and recovery protocols.

“We don’t like to use the word blame, because when you do, you’re [trying to] find a scapegoat,” Laxman told reporters at the CoE premises on Sunday. “There’s brilliant coordination between the CoE, the team management and the SSM (Sports Science & Medicine) staff.”

There has been a worrying trend of players being declared fit only to pick up a new injury within a short period of time. Laxman stressed that this was not a cause for concern even as he clarified that the “CoE was not a rehab centre” and that it had a “bigger mandate”.

“When someone is playing at the elite level, you’re supposed to give more than 100%,” Laxman said. “Injuries are bound to happen. If you’re thinking about not getting injured, you’re not playing to the best of your ability. Monitoring is very, very critical, and I’ve got no doubt that Adrian Le Roux (S&C coach, Indian team) and others are doing that,” the 51-year-old added.

Both Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan were named conditionally in the squad for the two Tests against Sri Lanka before failing to obtain fitness clearances. Asked if it would be prudent to avoid players who are still undergoing rehabilitation, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia replied in the negative.

“We have our selection meetings at least three to four weeks before the team departs,” Saikia said. “We don’t reject because by the time the player will have to travel or play, he may be totally fit. It’s a human body, not a machine. It may take 14 days or 28 days.”

The CoE has been without a Head of Sports Science since Nitin Patel’s exit in March 2025. Saikia attributed this to an “acute shortage of right candidates” and Laxman stated that there will be no unseemly haste in the appointment process, for quality was paramount.

Andrew Leipus, who had had successful tenures with the Indian National team and the erstwhile National Cricket Academy, was the BCCI’s first choice to replace Nitin, but he pulled out.

“Andrew had almost agreed but then backed out,” Laxman said. “The next interview process was extensive, and the first candidate was from Australia, but he did not join. The second and third candidates are already working at the CoE. It is our responsibility to upskill them while we identify someone of that stature, experience and knowledge.”