New Delhi, March 12: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to kick off on March 28. Ahead of the tournament, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued new guidelines regarding practice sessions. According to the BCCI, no team will be allowed to train on a pitch that has been used by another team during their net sessions.

As per the five-page guidelines shared with franchises, if one team practices after another, new nets must be prepared. The guidelines state, “Each team will be provided with new nets for their designated practice sessions. If practice sessions occur simultaneously or if one team practices after another, the first team will not be permitted to use the nets of the second team (including for throwdowns). If one team finishes practice early, the second team cannot use their range-hitting wickets.”

If a team wishes to play a practice match under lights, it must not exceed three and a half hours. The BCCI has clearly stated this in their announcement. Teams will also not be allowed to play more than two practice matches, even with permission from the BCCI.

Furthermore, the BCCI has clarified that no practice matches can be held on the main square. They stated, “No practice match or session will take place on the main square within four days of the home team’s opening match of the season. During this time, if the home franchise requests, the state association must provide an alternative practice ground to the franchise at no cost.” Before the season’s opening match, teams will be provided with two nets in the practice area and one net on the main square for range hitting starting from March 16.

The BCCI’s note also mentioned that the home team will be prioritized over the traveling team. “While the home team should receive the first choice of preferred sessions, requests from the opposing team will also be considered.” In case of scheduling conflicts for practice sessions, the BCCI will intervene. If both teams cannot resolve double bookings, the BCCI will determine practice times based on the requests of both teams, potentially resulting in two two-hour slots to ensure equal playing conditions on the field.

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