The Board of Control for Cricket in India has rolled out a comprehensive set of practice regulations for all franchises ahead of IPL 2026, placing particular emphasis on pitch preservation, fair access, and logistical order across every venue on the calendar.
The most significant rule in the new guidelines concerns shared practice pitches. Under the fresh guidelines distributed to all franchises, no team may use a net that has already been occupied by an opposing side during their scheduled session. This rule covers throwdowns and range-hitting practice as well, and it stands even when a team wraps up its session ahead of schedule. The BCCI has been clear; fresh nets must be prepared for every franchise, no matter what, whether teams take to the ground back-to-back or simultaneously.
Practice matches have also been tightened. Any fixture staged under lights must conclude within three and a half hours, with each franchise permitted a maximum of two such matches per pre-season window, subject to BCCI approval. Crucially, these matches must take place on side wickets rather than the main square; a rule tied to the board's wider push to protect match surfaces before competitive action begins.
For four days leading up to a franchise's opening home fixture of the season, the main square is completely closed off for training and practice matches alike. During that period, the relevant State Association is required to offer the home side an alternative practice venue at no charge. From 16th March onwards, each team receives two practice nets at the designated training area, along with a single net on the main square for pre-match range hitting.
When scheduling conflicts arise, the home franchise gets first pick when selecting practice slots, though the visiting team's requirements, particularly where travel or back-to-back matches are involved, will receive proper consideration. If both sides cannot agree, the BCCI steps in directly and can divide available ground time into two separate two-hour blocks.
The home franchise takes charge of organising all practice logistics for both teams, covering catering, medical services, security, and cricketing infrastructure alongside the State Association curator and the IPL venue manager. Visiting sides, however, must arrange their own beverages independently. At large venues such as Narendra Modi Stadium, range-hitting wickets will be prepared on red or black soil, with the home team granted the first 90 minutes to select their preferred surface.
