IPL 2025: BCCI set to control IPL teams' practice sessions, new regulations revealed

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced new regulations for Indian Premier League (IPL) teams ahead of the upcoming season. As per the updated guidelines, teams can only play two warm-up matches or center-wicket practice sessions, which is a change from previous editions.

The IPL 2025 season will begin on March 22 with a match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Notably, Eden Gardens will also host Qualifier 2 and the final, while Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad.

BCCI Sets Guidelines for Practice Sessions in Official Note

According to a report by Cricbuzz on February 8, the BCCI introduced new guidelines to ensure fair playing conditions for all teams in the IPL. The restrictions were recently communicated to the franchises, and it is a shift from previous seasons when no such limitations were in place.

In a recent note to franchises, the BCCI directed IPL venues not to host local matches, legends leagues, or celebrity tournaments to maintain the pitches in optimal condition for the tournament.

BCCI Aims to Maintain Grounds and Pitches in Optimal Condition

The BCCI mentioned the rules for IPL teams' practice sessions in an official note. Teams are allowed up to seven three-hour practice sessions under floodlights. Teams must also obtain prior written approval from the BCCI for practice matches.

"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 BCCI note, seen by Cricbuzz, says.

BCCI Proposes Solution for Concurrent Practice Sessions

The report also added that no practice matches or sessions will be allowed on the main square during this period. However, each team will have access to one side wicket for range hitting.

"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."

If both teams want to practice at the same time, the BCCI will act as a mediator between the teams' managers. The BCCI will set the practice times if the teams cannot agree, offering two two-hour slots to ensure both teams get equal playing conditions and exclusive use of the ground.

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