The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has established new guidelines for practice sessions for Indian Premier League (IPL) teams in the lead-up to the upcoming season. Teams are now limited to a maximum of seven practice sessions, a change from previous seasons where no such restrictions were in place. Additionally, teams are permitted only two warm-up matches or center wicket practice sessions.
In a recent communication to the franchises, the BCCI detailed these updated rules. These regulations align with a prior instruction to IPL venues to restrict ground usage for local games, legends leagues, or celebrity events. The BCCI’s aim is to maintain optimal ground and pitch conditions for the IPL tournament.
According to the BCCI’s note, teams are allowed up to seven practice sessions, each lasting up to three hours under floodlights, before their first match of the season. Two of these sessions can be practice matches or open net sessions, as decided by the team. Practice matches are to be held on side wickets of the main square and should not exceed three and a half hours if played under lights. Official practice matches require prior approval from the BCCI, as per operational rules.
To ensure pitch readiness for the season, main square practice sessions or matches are prohibited in the four days preceding a team’s first home game. However, one side wicket per team will be available for range hitting during these days. State Associations will accommodate requests from home franchises during this period. These revised rules are implemented because venues are experiencing heavy usage during domestic matches played close to the IPL season start.
The IPL season is scheduled to begin on March 22 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, featuring a match between the current champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Resolving Practice Session Conflicts
The BCCI has also outlined a process for resolving situations where both home and away teams want to practice simultaneously. In such cases, the BCCI will mediate. The proposed solution involves the BCCI requesting team managers to resolve scheduling conflicts, potentially by rescheduling sessions or sharing practice time. If teams cannot agree, the BCCI will determine practice times, likely allocating two-hour slots to each team (e.g., 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM and 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) to ensure fair and exclusive ground access.
Range Hitting Guidelines
The BCCI has also specified that teams can engage in range hitting throughout their allocated practice sessions. One wicket will be prepared for each team at the edge of both sides of the main square. Teams can use these wickets for range hitting, bowling practice, run-ups, throw-downs, or any other intended purpose. Requests for open or partially open nets will not be permitted. Nets must be oriented towards the non-pavilion side for safety. Only players, team support staff, and net bowlers are allowed on the field of play during practice sessions.
Practice Rules During the Tournament
- Teams will be provided with 2 nets in the practice area and 1 side wicket on the main square for range hitting. At the Mumbai venue, if both teams practice at the same time, each team will get 2 wickets.
- Open net sessions are not allowed.
- If a team finishes practice early, the other team cannot extend their practice using the vacated wickets.
- No practice is permitted on match days.
