IPL 2026: BCCI Issues New Practice Session Guidelines For Franchises- Here’s What The New Rule Says

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued fresh practice session guidelines for franchises ahead of IPL 2026. According to the guidelines, an IPL team cannot train on the pitch that was used by the rival side. This means that fresh nets must be prepared if one team practises after the other.

"Fresh nets should be provided to each team for their allocated practice session. In any event of simultaneous practice sessions or when one team practises after the other, the first team shall not be permitted to use the other team's nets (including for throw downs). If one team finishes practice early, the other team is not permitted to use their range-hitting wicket," the latest BCCI guidelines said.

Franchises will be allowed to organise up to two warm-up matches, but only after receiving approval from the BCCI. These matches must be played on side wickets adjacent to the main square, rather than the central playing surface.

The board has also emphasised that no practice matches are permitted on the main square. To ensure proper pitch preparation, teams are prohibited from using the main square for training or practice games during the four days leading up to their first home fixture of the season.

During this restricted period, the BCCI has directed the respective State Associations to arrange an alternate practice venue for the home franchise if requested, and it must be provided free of cost.

As part of the preparation schedule, teams will be allotted two nets at the designated practice facility and one net on the main square for range-hitting drills starting from March 16.

The communication further clarifies that the home team will have priority when selecting training slots. However, requests from the visiting side will also be considered, especially if the travelling team played a match the previous day or has tight travel logistics.
In situations where both teams request the same practice time, the BCCI will first ask the team managers to settle the matter mutually, either by adjusting timings or sharing the session.

If the conflict remains unresolved, the board will step in and assign separate practice windows. Typically, the solution would involve two dedicated two-hour sessions, ensuring each team receives similar conditions and exclusive use of the ground, for example, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM and 8:00 PM-10:00 PM.

General Guideline

The home side will be responsible for coordinating the logistical provisions for practice sessions for both teams. This includes catering for teams, cricket facilities, medical services and security arrangements during the regular season. Away teams, on the other hand, need to make provisions for their own beverages. BCCI will make the arrangements for the practice session requirements for the playoffs.

Range Hitting Guidelines

Franchises will be permitted to carry out range-hitting drills during their allotted training period. For this purpose, a wicket will be prepared for each side at the far ends on both edges of the main square. These designated strips can be used for a variety of activities, including big-hitting practice, bowlers' run-throughs, marking run-ups, throw-down sessions, or any other preparation the team requires.

To enhance player safety, the practice nets must remain open on the non-pavilion side so that any powerful shots do not pose a risk of injury.

At venues such as Narendra Modi Stadium and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, the wickets designated for range hitting will consist of either red-soil or black-soil surfaces. The home franchise will have the authority to choose its preferred wicket type for the first 90 minutes of the practice session.