BCCI issues strict practice session rules for teams ahead of IPL 2025 - Reports

IPL 2025 is scheduled to begin on March 22.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) will make its much-awaited return for the 18th season on March 22, 2025. The tournament’s first match will feature defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

The competition features 74 matches and will be played across 13 venues in India.

Just weeks before the start of the tournament, recent reports have emerged stating that the BCCI has issued strict practice session rules for franchises, which will regulate the number of practice sessions and pitches provided.

BCCI issues strict practice session rules for teams ahead of IPL 2025 – Reports

According to a report in Cricbuzz, the BCCI has regulated the practice sessions for the IPL teams for the upcoming season, allowing no more than seven sessions. The board has also stated that teams can have only two warm-up games or center wicket practice sessions.

The board has also issued a note to the franchises outlining a directive to the IPL centers to not allow the grounds for any local games, legends leagues, or celebrity tournaments. The BCCI wants the ground and pitch in prime condition for the league.

The BCCI note reportedly read, “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 practice matches 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.“

The regulation mandates that no practice sessions or practice matches be played on the main square in the four days leading up to the respective franchise’s first home match of the season to prepare the pitch for the season.

“In order 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.“

The board has allowed teams to practice range hitting during their scheduled practice sessions. One wicket for each team will be prepared at the extreme edge on both sides of the main square, which can be used for range hitting, bowling run-throughs, run-ups, throwdowns, or any other intended purpose.

“Please note that requests for open or partially open nets will not be entertained. Additionally, the nets must be open towards the non-pavilion side to prevent injuries.“

“In the interest of safety, no one other than players, team support staff and net bowlers will be on the Field of Play during this time.“

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