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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced new practice guidelines for teams ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. According to the board, teams will no longer be allowed to train on the same practice pitch that was used by their opponents during net sessions.
Fresh nets must be prepared for every team
In guidelines shared with all franchises, the BCCI said that fresh nets must be prepared for every team during their scheduled practice time. If two teams practise one after the other, the second team cannot use the nets that were used by the first team. This restriction also applies to throwdowns and range-hitting practice. Even if a team finishes its session early, the other team will not be allowed to use its practice wicket.
"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 five-page guidelines state.
Rules: If a team wants to organise a match under lights
The board has also set rules for practice matches. If a team wants to organise a match under lights, the duration must not go beyond three and a half hours. Each team can play a maximum of two practice matches, but only after getting approval from the BCCI. These matches must be held on side wickets of the main square, and not on the main pitch.
No practice or practice matches can take place on the main square
The BCCI has also made it clear that no practice or practice matches can take place on the main square in the four days leading up to a franchise’s first home match. This step has been taken to help prepare the match pitch properly. During this period, if the home franchise requests it, the State Association must provide an alternative practice ground at no cost.
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The BCCI also made it clear that a practice match cannot be played on the main square. "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 days leading up to the relevant franchise's first home match of the season," the BCCI says.
"During this period, if requested by the home franchise, the State Association should make an alternative practice ground available to the franchise at no cost to the franchise."
From March 16 onwards, teams will be given two practice nets at the training area and one net on the main square for range hitting before the opening match of the season.
The guidelines also state that the home team will get preference while choosing practice slots, although the requests of the visiting team will also be considered. This is especially important if the away side has played a match the previous day or has travel commitments.
If both teams want to practise at the same time and cannot reach an agreement, the BCCI will step in to resolve the issue. In such cases, the practice time may be divided into two separate two-hour slots, allowing both teams to use the ground under similar conditions.
Home franchise will be responsible for organising practice arrangements for both teams
The home franchise will be responsible for organising practice arrangements for both teams. This includes catering, medical services, security and cricket facilities in coordination with the State Association curator and the IPL venue manager. However, visiting teams will need to arrange their own beverages.
Teams will also be allowed to practise range hitting during their training sessions. For this, one wicket will be prepared on the extreme edge of the main square for each team. These wickets can be used for power hitting, bowling run-ups, throwdowns or other drills.
Nets must be kept open towards the non-pavilion side
To reduce the risk of injuries, the nets must be kept open towards the non-pavilion side. At venues like Narendra Modi Stadium and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, the range-hitting wickets will be prepared on either red or black soil. The home team will get the first 90 minutes to choose their preferred wicket for range-hitting practice.
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