The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued new practice guidelines for all franchises ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, introducing stricter rules for training sessions and pitch usage. The move aims to ensure fairness among teams and maintain the quality of match pitches throughout the tournament. One of the most significant changes in the guidelines is that IPL franchises will no longer be allowed to share practice nets or pitches during training sessions. According to the BCCI, every team will now be provided with separate practice facilities to prepare for their matches. The rule has been introduced to prevent teams from practicing on surfaces that have already been used by other franchises and to ensure that every team trains under equal conditions. The IPL 2026 season is set to begin on March 28, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru scheduled to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The BCCI released the tournament schedule earlier this week, confirming that preparations for the new season are already underway across all franchises.
Separate Practice Nets for Teams
Under the new IPL training guidelines, teams will not be allowed to use nets or practice pitches that have previously been used by another franchise. Even if two teams plan to train at different times during the day, the nets used by the first team will not be available to the second team. This measure ensures that each team gets fresh practice surfaces without any advantage or disadvantage caused by prior usage. The rule also applies to range-hitting areas used for power-hitting practice. If a team completes its session earlier than scheduled, the range-hitting pitch used during that session will not be handed over to another team. BCCI officials believe this rule will help avoid potential disagreements between franchises and maintain consistency in practice conditions. By providing dedicated training facilities to each team, the board hopes to create a more professional and transparent environment during the pre-match preparation period. The rule is also expected to protect the quality of practice surfaces, ensuring that they remain suitable for high-intensity training sessions throughout the tournament.
Practice Matches Limited and Pitch Protection Measures
The BCCI has also placed restrictions on the number of practice matches teams can play before the tournament begins. According to the new guidelines, each franchise will be allowed to play a maximum of two practice matches prior to the start of the IPL season. These matches can only be organised after obtaining prior permission from the BCCI. In addition, practice matches played under floodlights will have a time limit of three and a half hours. Importantly, these games will not be held on the main pitch used for official IPL matches. Instead, teams will play these practice games on separate side wickets that are specially prepared for training sessions. Another key rule introduced by the BCCI relates to the use of the main match pitch. Teams will not be allowed to train or conduct practice matches on the central match pitch until four days before their first home fixture of the tournament. This rule is designed to protect the playing surface and ensure that pitches remain in optimal condition for official matches. The BCCI believes that restricting practice on the main pitch will prevent unnecessary wear and tear and help maintain consistent pitch quality throughout the IPL season.
Hosting Responsibilities and Fair Preparation
The guidelines also outline the responsibilities of host franchises during practice sessions. The home team will be responsible for arranging key facilities such as catering, medical assistance and security arrangements for both teams during training sessions. However, visiting teams will need to manage certain minor arrangements themselves, including the provision of beverages during practice. These operational guidelines are intended to streamline training logistics and ensure that all teams have access to essential support services while preparing for matches. With the IPL 2026 season fast approaching, the BCCI’s updated practice rules highlight the board’s focus on maintaining fairness and professionalism across the tournament. By ensuring that teams practice under equal conditions and by protecting the quality of match pitches, the governing body aims to create a balanced competitive environment for all franchises. The new regulations are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining high standards of preparation and ensuring that the tournament runs smoothly when it begins later this month.
on and ensuring that the tournament runs smoothly when it begins later this month.
