The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced new regulations regarding the practice sessions for Indian Premier League (IPL) teams ahead of the 2025 season. The revised rules mark a departure from previous seasons, as teams are now limited to a maximum of seven practice sessions before the tournament kicks off. These sessions will be restricted to three hours each and are subject to several specific conditions designed to maintain the quality of the pitches and ensure fair practice opportunities for all teams.
New Practice Session Guidelines
In a recent communication to the franchises, the BCCI clarified that teams are allowed up to seven practice sessions under floodlights, each lasting up to three hours. These can include a combination of open nets and practice matches, but only two of the sessions can be practice games. These practice games are to be held on one of the side wickets of the main square, and the total duration of a practice match cannot exceed three and a half hours.
The BCCI’s new rule also restricts practice on the main square of the ground in the four days leading up to a franchise's first home match of the season. During this time, teams are allowed to use side wickets for range hitting and other training exercises. This measure ensures that the pitch is maintained in prime condition for the tournament.
Practice Session Management and Conflict Resolution
To address potential scheduling conflicts, the BCCI has proposed a conflict resolution mechanism. If both the home and away teams wish to practice at the same time, the Team Managers will be asked to work out a solution, either by rescheduling one of the sessions or sharing the time slot. If the teams cannot reach an agreement, the BCCI will intervene and determine the final practice timings. The BCCI intends to create two 2-hour slots, which would allow both teams to have exclusive use of the ground while ensuring fair playing conditions.
Range Hitting and Safety Regulations
In terms of range hitting, teams will be permitted to practice this activity during their scheduled practice sessions. For each team, one wicket will be prepared at the extreme edge of the main square. This facility will allow teams to practice range hitting, bowling run-throughs, and throw-downs. However, the BCCI has made it clear that no open or partially open nets will be allowed. The nets must be open towards the non-pavilion side to prevent injuries, and only players, team support staff, and net bowlers will be permitted on the field during practice.
Practice Restrictions During the Tournament
Once the IPL season begins, additional practice restrictions will be in place. Each team will be given two nets in the practice area, along with one side wicket on the main square for range hitting. For venues like Mumbai and Kolkata if both teams are practicing simultaneously, they will be allotted two wickets each. It is also important to note that no open nets will be allowed during this period. If a team finishes its practice session early, the other team will not be permitted to use the practice wickets.
Finally, practice sessions will not be allowed on match days, ensuring that the players focus on the upcoming games and maintain their peak performance level
The BCCI’s new regulations aim to ensure that the practice sessions leading up to the IPL 2025 season are fair, organized, and maintain the quality of the playing surfaces. By limiting the number of sessions and introducing specific guidelines, the BCCI hopes to enhance the preparation of teams while maintaining the integrity of the IPL tournament.
