The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented new regulations to restrict the number of preseason practices that all IPL teams can participate in before the 2025 season. These regulations state that each team may have up to seven three-hour practice sessions and two warm-up games before the season starts, but open nets and match-day practice will not be permitted after the season starts.
BCCI's new rule
Since the pitches have already undergone considerable strain following the lengthy domestic season, a Cricbuzz report claims that these regulations are being implemented to keep them in optimal shape for the event. Only a few days have passed since the board sent a letter to the IPL ground officials prohibiting their use for any league games, whether local or unofficial.
"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 report stated BCCI said in the note to franchises.
"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. 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."
Furthermore, the BCCI has developed a process for settling "conflicts" when two teams wish to practice simultaneously. The initial step is a talk between the managers of the two teams. After considering both parties' requests, the BCCI will become involved if a solution cannot be found. The BCCI will allow each team one wicket for range hitting, run-ups, throwdowns, and other practice requirements, even though partially open nets will not be permitted once the season starts.
