Restricted Practice Sessions for IPL Franchises
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled fresh rules for practice sessions before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The teams are restricted to a maximum of seven practice sessions, a feature that was absent in earlier seasons. Moreover, franchises are allowed to have only two warm-up games or center wicket practice sessions.
In a formal communication to IPL franchises, the BCCI reiterated that these steps are in line with its recent order, which bans local games, legends leagues, or celebrity tournaments at IPL grounds. The main aim is to keep the grounds and pitches in the best possible condition for the tournament. Cricbuzz initially reported this news on February 8.
Practice Session and Match Guidelines
According to the new rules, IPL teams are allowed a maximum of seven practice sessions under lights, with each session not exceeding three hours. Two of these sessions can be practice matches or open nets, as preferred by the team. Practice matches, however, have to be conducted on one of the side wickets of the main square. In case they are conducted under lights, the practice matches cannot extend beyond three and a half hours.
According to the BCCI’s note, any practice match must receive prior written approval from the board as per the league’s operational rules.
Moreover, to preserve the pitch quality, teams cannot use the main square for practice sessions or matches in the four days leading up to their first home game. However, each team will be allotted one side wicket for range hitting during this period.
The IPL 2025 season starts on March 22 at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, with two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders meeting Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Conflict Resolution for Practice Sessions
In situations where both home and visiting teams apply for practice simultaneously, the BCCI has described a resolution mechanism. First, the managers of the two teams will seek to settle the scheduling dispute amicably. In the event that they do not succeed, the BCCI will act and grant two-hour slots to each team to provide a fair opportunity for use of practice facilities. A probable outcome would be:
- First team practice session: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Second team practice session: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
This is a method of scheduling that allows both teams to have sole possession of the ground under equal conditions.
Range Hitting Guidelines
BCCI has ensured that teams can persist with range-hitting practice during their allocated sessions. For this, one wicket on either side of the center square will be assigned to each team. These wickets could also be utilized for run-through bowling, run-ups, throwdowns, or other drills.
In order to ensure the safety of players, all nets will need to be at a distance from the pavilion side. Only players, support staff of teams, and net bowlers will be permitted on the field during practice times. Open or partially open nets will not be requested.
Practice Rules During the IPL Tournament
Practice rules for the IPL season must be followed by teams as follows:
- Two nets in the practice facility and one side wicket on the main square will be available to each team for range hitting. Both teams will have two wickets each at the Mumbai facility if practicing together.
- Open nets are not permitted.
- When one team completes a practice session prematurely, the other team does not use the wickets for extra practice.
- No practice sessions on days of a match.
These regulations are intended to optimize ground conditions and maintain pitch quality throughout the tournament.
