IPL 2025: BCCI limits practice sessions in new regulations to keep pitches in top condition
"If a team is playing a practice match under lights, the duration of the match should not exceed more than three and a half hours," the BCCI note read.
In a bid to ensure the highest quality of pitches and grounds for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rolled out new regulations limiting the number of practice sessions for teams. As per the latest instructions, each franchise will be allowed only seven practice sessions before their first match, with no more than two warm-up games or centre wicket practice sessions. In the previous seasons, there were no restrictions as such.
The BCCI has taken this step to preserve the playing surfaces across venues, preventing excessive wear and tear before the tournament begins, as per a Cricbuzz report. The decision was made after understanding that an earlier directive prohibited IPL venues from hosting local games, legends leagues, or celebrity matches in the lead-up to the tournament.
According to the BCCI’s note to franchises, the teams may conduct up to seven practice sessions of three hours each under floodlights. Out of these, two sessions can be practice matches or open nets, provided they take place on one of the side wickets of the main square. Additionally, any practice match under lights must not exceed three and a half hours in duration and requires prior written approval from the BCCI.
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BCCI comes up with conflict resolution mechanism
Furthermore, to help in the pitch preparation, no team will be allowed to practice on the main square for four days leading up to their first home match. However, one side-wicket per team will be made available for practicing range hitting during this period. The revised regulations assist the heavy load on venues due to ongoing domestic matches leading up to the IPL season.
With these new restrictions, conflicts may arise when both teams wish to practice at the same time. To address this, the BCCI has come up with a conflict resolution mechanism, allowing team managers to negotiate an arrangement. If an agreement is not reached, the board will step in and assign two-hour slots to each team, ensuring both sides receive fair practice conditions with exclusive ground access.
Teams will have dedicated areas for range hitting, with one wicket prepared at the extreme edge on both sides of the main square. These areas can be used for batting practice, bowling, and other drills. Furthermore, open nets will not be permitted, and safety measures will be strictly taken place, restricting access to players, support staff, and net bowlers only.
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At the Mumbai venue, if both teams are practicing simultaneously, they will get two wickets each. Additionally, no practice will be allowed on match days, and teams cannot extend their sessions over their allotted time.
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