In a move that would certainly take the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams by surprise, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced strict regulations governing practice sessions ahead of the 2025 season. For the first time in IPL history, franchises will be limited to a maximum of seven practice sessions before their opening match. There wasn’t any rule especially for training sessions previously. Notably, BCCI might be mulling over some red-ball practice during IPL 2025 for players touted to go to England for the five-match Test series that starts less than a month after the T20 league.
Limitations on practice for IPL 2025 teams
According to a recent Cricbuzz report, BCCI has outlined that teams can engage in only two warm-up games or center-wicket practice sessions. The objective? To ensure the pitches and stadium facilities remain in pristine condition for the high-octane tournament. BCCI recently ordered the IPL franchise that they cannot practice at IPL centres before the tournament as well. Almost all the franchises have started their camps but aren’t hosting them on their home ground.
“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’s note to franchises, as cited by Cricbuzz, states.
Further tightening regulations, the BCCI has barred practice sessions or warm-up games on the main square for four days leading up to a franchise’s first home match. However, teams will be granted access to one side wicket for range hitting during this period.
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Range Hitting and Net Practice Guidelines
Teams will still be allowed to practice range hitting, but with structured limitations. One wicket per team will be set up at the extreme edge of the main square for this purpose. This wicket can be used for range hitting, bowling run-throughs, run-ups, throwdowns, or any other practice need.
“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,” the BCCI note adds.
Practice Restrictions during IPL 2025
Once the tournament begins, practice regulations will remain stringent:
- Each team will receive two nets in the practice area and access to one side wicket on the main square for range hitting. In Mumbai, if both teams are practicing simultaneously, each will be allocated two wickets.
- Open nets will not be permitted under any circumstances.
- If one team completes its practice session earlier than scheduled, the other team is not allowed to extend its practice into the available slot.
- No practice will be allowed on match days, ensuring the pitch remains in peak condition.
The much-awaited IPL 2025 season is set to commence at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 22, featuring an electrifying opener between reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
