Before the 2025 season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put new rules into place that limit how many preseason sessions the IPL clubs may take part in. Although open nets and match-day practice will not be allowed until the season begins, these rules allow each team to have up to seven three-hour practice sessions and two warm-up games before the start of the season.
BCCI’s New Rule
According to reports, these rules are being put in place to preserve the pitches in top condition for the competition because they have already experienced significant wear and tear after the protracted domestic season. A letter from the board to the IPL ground authorities forbidding their usage for any league games, whether local or unofficial, was sent just a few days ago.
“In advance of the first match of the season and as set out in the Stadium Agreement, teams may have up to seven (7) practice sessions of up to three (3) hours in duration under floodlights, of which two (2) can be practice matches or open nets as decided by the team,” the report stated BCCI said in the note to franchises.
The practice matches are to take place on one of the side wickets of the main square. 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. As per the operational rules, practice matches require the prior written approval of the BCCI. To prepare the pitch for the season, no practice sessions or practice matches may be played on the main square in the four (4) days leading up to the relevant franchisee’s first home match of the season. However, 1 side wicket per team will be provided for range hitting on these days. During this period, if requested by the home franchisee, the State Association.”
Additionally, the BCCI has a procedure for resolving “conflicts” that arise when two teams want to practice at the same time. The management of the two teams has a conversation as the first stage. After taking into account the desires of both sides, if a solution cannot be achieved, the BCCI will get involved. Even though partially open nets will not be allowed once the season begins, the BCCI will give each team one wicket for range hitting, run-ups, throwdowns and other practice needs.
