The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced new regulations for Indian Premier League (IPL) teams regarding their practice sessions ahead of the upcoming season. Unlike previous editions, where there were no such limitations, the BCCI has now restricted teams to a maximum of seven practice sessions before their first match. Additionally, teams are permitted to conduct only two warm-up games or center-wicket practice sessions.

New Practice Guidelines

A recent directive issued to IPL franchises clearly outlines these new rules. The restrictions align with the BCCI’s broader efforts to maintain the quality of grounds and pitches, preventing excessive wear and tear before the start of the tournament. The governing body has also instructed IPL venues to avoid hosting any local games, legends leagues, or celebrity tournaments in the lead-up to the IPL season. A Cricbuzz report previously highlighted this directive on February 8.

According to the BCCI’s official note, “Ahead of the first match of the season, as per the Stadium Agreement, teams are allowed a maximum of seven (7) practice sessions, each lasting up to three (3) hours under floodlights. Out of these, two (2) sessions may be used for practice matches or open net sessions, as per the team’s discretion. The practice matches must be played on a side wicket of the main square. If conducted under lights, these matches should not exceed three and a half hours. Furthermore, as per the Operational Rules, teams must obtain prior written approval from the BCCI for practice matches.”

Additionally, the BCCI has set specific restrictions regarding the use of main square wickets in the days leading up to a team’s first home game. “To ensure the pitch is in optimal condition, no practice sessions or matches can be conducted on the main square during the four (4) days before a team’s first home game. However, one side wicket per team will be made available for range hitting during this period,” the note stated.

These new regulations stem from concerns over pitch durability, especially given the heavy load on venues hosting domestic matches close to the start of the IPL season.

Conflict Resolution for Practice Slots

In cases where both the home and away teams wish to practice at the same time, the BCCI has put forth a conflict-resolution mechanism. The board will first allow team managers to attempt a resolution by either adjusting their practice times or sharing the session. If an agreement cannot be reached, the BCCI will step in to allocate time slots.

The likely solution, as outlined in the directive, involves creating two separate two-hour slots, allowing both teams equal practice time under similar conditions. For example, one team could practice from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, while the other could use the facilities from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Regulations on Range Hitting

Teams will be permitted to conduct range hitting throughout their scheduled practice sessions. To facilitate this, the BCCI will prepare one wicket at the extreme edge of the main square for each team. These wickets can be used for range hitting, bowling run-throughs, throwdowns, and other training activities.

However, the board has strictly prohibited open or partially open nets. “Requests for open or partially open nets will not be entertained. The nets must be positioned to open towards the non-pavilion side to minimize the risk of injuries. Furthermore, for safety reasons, only players, team support staff, and designated net bowlers are allowed on the Field of Play during practice,” the BCCI stated.

Practice Sessions During the Tournament

Once the IPL begins, additional rules will apply to team practice sessions:

1. Each team will have access to two nets in the designated practice area and one side wicket on the main square for range hitting. However, at the Mumbai venue, if both teams practice simultaneously, each will be allocated two wickets.
2. Open nets will not be permitted at any stage of the tournament.
3. If a team completes its practice session early, the remaining wickets cannot be utilized by the other team for additional training.
4. No practice sessions will be allowed on match days to ensure the pitch remains in optimal condition for gameplay.

IPL 2025 Kickoff

The upcoming IPL season is set to commence on March 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The tournament opener will feature the reigning champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, facing off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

With these new regulations, the BCCI aims to maintain the highest standards for the pitches and playing conditions throughout the IPL season. While some teams may find the restrictions challenging, these measures are expected to benefit the overall quality of the league, ensuring fair and competitive gameplay.

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