BCCI Introduces New Practice Regulations for IPL 2025 to Preserve Pitch Quality

With IPL 2025 just around the corner, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced new regulations for practice sessions to ensure the best pitch conditions throughout the tournament. Unlike previous editions, where there were no restrictions, teams will now be allowed a maximum of seven practice sessions, including only two warm-up games or center wicket practice sessions.

The move aims to preserve pitch conditions and maintain high-quality gameplay throughout the season, especially with domestic matches and other tournaments taking place close to the IPL window.

Key Changes in IPL 2025 Practice Regulations

BCCI has sent an official directive to all franchises, outlining specific rules for practice sessions and warm-up matches before the tournament begins on March 22, 2025. Here are the major updates:

Limited Practice Sessions

Teams can have up to seven (7) practice sessions of up to three hours under floodlights.

Out of these, only two sessions can be practice matches or open nets.

Practice matches will be played on side wickets of the main square.

No Practice on Main Pitch Before Home Matches

To maintain pitch quality, no practice sessions or matches will be allowed on the main square for four days before the franchise’s first home match.

However, each team will get one side wicket for range hitting during this period.

Practice Matches Must Follow BCCI Guidelines

If a team is playing a practice match under lights, it must not exceed 3.5 hours in duration.

All practice matches require prior written approval from the BCCI.

Conflict Resolution for Double-Booked Practice Slots

If two teams request practice sessions at the same time, the BCCI will step in to resolve the conflict.

Possible Solutions:

Teams try to resolve the schedule among themselves (one team shifts their session).

If no agreement is reached, BCCI will create two exclusive time slots (e.g., 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM & 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) to ensure fair play conditions.

BCCI’s New Guidelines for Range Hitting & Safety Measures

Dedicated Wickets for Range Hitting

Each team will get one wicket at the extreme edge of the main square for range hitting, bowling run-throughs, and throw-downs.

No open or partially open nets will be allowed.

Player Safety First

Nets must be open towards the non-pavilion side to prevent injuries.

Only players, coaching staff, and net bowlers are allowed on the field during practice.

Practice Restrictions During IPL 2025

No Practice on Match Days

No team will be allowed to practice on match days to ensure the best pitch conditions.

If one team finishes practice early, the other team cannot use the extra time or wickets.

Practice During the Tournament

Teams will get two nets in the practice area and one side wicket on the main square for range hitting.

In Mumbai, if both teams are practicing at the same time, they will get two wickets each.

Why Did BCCI Introduce These Restrictions?

The BCCI’s new practice guidelines are designed to: ✔ Prevent excessive wear and tear of pitches

Ensure better playing conditions throughout the tournament

Maintain fairness in practice schedules for all teams

By restricting the number of practice sessions and preventing unnecessary pitch damage, the BCCI aims to elevate the standard of play and ensure a fair contest across all venues.

IPL 2025 Kicks Off at Eden Gardens on March 22

The Indian Premier League 2025 will begin with an exciting opening match between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

With new practice regulations in place, teams will have to plan their training sessions strategically to make the most of their limited time on the field.

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