The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed the 10 franchises that two IPL teams cannot use the same pitch for their respective net session, a report by Cricbuzz said.
If teams are practising one after the other then fresh pitches have to be allocated, BCCI said in its latest guidelines ahead of IPL 2026, which begins on March 28.
“Fresh nets should be provided to each team for their allocated practice session. In any event of simultaneous practice sessions, or when one team practices 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.”
“If a team intends to play a practice match under lights, the duration of the match should not exceed three and a half hours,” the BCCI statement said.
The teams can have a maximum of two practice matches and have to inform the Indian cricket board first. Moreover, the directive added that these matches can’t take place 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 said. “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.”
The two sides will be provided with two practice nets each along with one net on the main square for range hitting. If there is any clash in the practice schedule, the BCCI stated that priority will be given to the visiting team.
“Though the home team should get the first choice of a preferred session, the away team’s request will be taken into account, particularly if it has played a match on the previous day and taking into consideration the travel arrangements of the away team.”
