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With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 set to begin on March 22, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented new regulations regarding practice sessions for all franchises. Unlike previous seasons, where teams had unrestricted practice access, the BCCI has now limited teams to a maximum of seven practice sessions, with only two warm-up matches or centre-wicket practice sessions allowed.
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New Guidelines for IPL Practice Sessions
The BCCI’s decision is aimed at ensuring that the pitches and grounds remain in prime condition for the IPL. In a communication to all franchises, the board has also instructed stadium authorities not to host local games, legends leagues, or celebrity tournaments in the lead-up to the IPL season.
According to a BCCI note seen by Cricbuzz, the regulations state:
- Teams are allowed up to seven practice sessions, each lasting a maximum of three hours under floodlights.
- Out of these seven sessions, two can be practice matches or open net sessions, but they must take place on one of the side wickets of the main square.
- Practice matches cannot exceed three and a half hours and must have prior approval from the BCCI.
- No practice sessions or matches can be played on the main square during the four days leading up to a team’s first home match to preserve the pitch quality. However, teams can use a side wicket for range hitting during this period.
Conflict Resolution for Practice Scheduling
Given the demand for practice slots, the BCCI has set up a resolution mechanism in case two teams want to train at the same time. The board has asked teams to resolve scheduling conflicts internally but will intervene if necessary.
The BCCI’s proposed solution states:
- If both teams want to practice simultaneously, team managers will attempt to find a mutual resolution.
- If no agreement is reached, the BCCI will decide the schedule, most likely by splitting practice slots into two-hour windows to give both teams equal access to the facilities.
- Example of time slots: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM & 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Range Hitting Regulations
The BCCI has also clarified that teams will be able to practice range hitting throughout their scheduled sessions. However, certain restrictions have been put in place for safety reasons:
- Each team will have one designated wicket at the extreme edge of the main square for range hitting, bowling run-throughs, throwdowns, and run-ups.
- Open or partially open nets will not be allowed.
- Nets must be positioned away from the pavilion side to minimize injury risks.
- Only players, team support staff, and net bowlers will be allowed on the field during practice.
Practice Rules During the Tournament
To maintain fairness and order throughout the IPL season, the BCCI has outlined additional practice guidelines:
- Teams will have access to two nets in the practice area and one side wicket for range hitting. At the Mumbai venue, each team will get two wickets if both teams are practicing at the same time.
- No open nets will be permitted.
- If one team finishes their practice early, the other team is not allowed to extend their session or use extra wickets.
- No practice sessions will be allowed on match days.
IPL 2025 Set for Grand Kickoff
The IPL 2025 season will begin at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 22, with a high-profile clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
With these new practice regulations, the BCCI aims to ensure optimal playing conditions and fair practice opportunities for all teams throughout the tournament.
