Rajeev Shukla [Source: AFP]The Indian Premier League 2026 has become one of the most batting-friendly seasons in the tournament’s history, with teams regularly crossing the 200-run mark and chasing massive targets with surprising ease. Alongside the explosive batting performances, reports surrounding the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) pitch strategy for the playoffs and final have now sparked major debate across the cricket world.IPL 2026 turns out to be most batting-friendly seasonA defining feature of IPL 2026 has been the extraordinary number of high-scoring matches. In the first 49 games of the season, teams crossed the 200-run mark 41 times, clearly showing the growing dominance of batters in the shortest format. Compared to IPL 2025, the current season recorded 12 more 200-plus totals at the same stage, showing how rapidly scoring patterns have evolved.The remarkable part, however, has not only been the frequency of these scores, yet also the ease with which teams have chased them down. Batters have looked comfortable on most surfaces, while bowlers have struggled to find consistent assistance from the pitches.IPL 2026 pitches heavily influenced by BCCIReports from The Times of India suggest that the nature of the pitches this season has been heavily influenced by the BCCI. According to the report, curators were instructed to prepare surfaces offering minimal help for bowlers. The board also ensured that no venue had boundaries larger than 77 metres, creating conditions that naturally favour aggressive stroke play.It is also important to note that the issue gained attention after Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani questioned the lack of home advantage in IPL 2026.Delhi Capitals coach blamed BCCIFollowing Delhi’s fourth defeat in five home games at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Badani stated that franchises were no longer able to prepare pitches suited to their strengths. His comments pointed towards direct intervention from the BCCI in pitch preparation throughout the season.The report further claimed that the BCCI continued its policy of appointing one official curator alongside the local curator at every venue. This move was reportedly designed to prevent franchises from influencing pitch conditions. Also Read: LSG Struggles Continue, But Could Hurt RCB’s Top-2 HopesBCCI’s central team of curators set to take complete control in IPL playoffsDuring the playoffs and IPL final, the BCCI’s central team of curators will take full control of the IPL venues in Dharamshala, New Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad.Notably, Qualifier 1 will be played at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. The eliminator and Qualifier 2 will take place at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh respectively, while Ahmedabad will host the final. "There are few teams who have a stronger spin-bowling attack. They would prefer a little slower and sluggish pitches. Some teams have a very potent seam attack and they prefer a little more help for the new-ball bowlers. But now every pitch is almost similar. It doesn't matter if one team is travelling or not. The players expect similar conditions across all venues," a franchise member close to the development told TOI.The recommendations reportedly include maintaining uniform grass cover on pitches, limiting excessive spin, and reducing lateral movement for pacers. These measures are intended to create consistent batting conditions across all stadiums.Another franchise source explained that the same batting-friendly conditions have also contributed to sudden collapses during certain matches."The batters go in with the expectation that the pitch will play true and flat. But whenever there's a little more purchase from the pitch for the bowlers, they struggle to adapt," the source said.With the tournament entering its most important stage, all eyes will now remain on how the pitches behave under the BCCI’s direct supervision during the playoffs and final.Also Read: After Riyan Parag, Yuzvendra Chahal Caught Vaping On Camera, Fans Allege Massive Security Breach
