BCCI Introduces Strict IPL 2026 Practice Guidelines Banning Shared Nets

BCCI has introduced strict new IPL 2026 practice rules, banning shared nets and setting clear guidelines for practice sessions, matches, and range-hitting drills.

Just weeks before the start of the IPL 2026 season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rolled out a detailed set of practice-session regulations for all franchises. The guidelines, shared with teams in a five-page document, aim to ensure fair practice conditions, preserve pitch quality, and avoid scheduling conflicts during training sessions ahead of matches.

The new framework clearly states that teams will not be allowed to use practice pitches already used by their opponents. The directive also outlines fresh nets for each team, controlled practice durations, and rules regarding range hitting and practice matches.

No Shared Nets Between Rival Teams

One of the key highlights of the new regulations is the ban on sharing practice nets between teams. The BCCI has made it clear that each franchise will be allotted separate nets, and teams cannot train on a pitch used earlier by their opponent.

“Fresh nets should be provided to each team for their allocated practice session. In any event of simultaneous practice sessions or when one team practises 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,” the five-page guidelines state.

This measure has been introduced to maintain equal training conditions for both teams while preventing excessive wear and tear on the practice surfaces.

Rules For Practice Matches And Main Square Usage

The governing body has also defined clear limits on practice matches conducted by teams. If a franchise wishes to organise a practice match under lights, the duration of the game must not exceed three and a half hours.

Additionally, teams will be allowed to play a maximum of two practice matches, but only with prior approval from the BCCI. These matches must take place on side wickets rather than the central playing area.

The board has firmly restricted the use of the main square for practice activities close to match days. “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 says.

“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 to the franchise.”

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Practice Scheduling, Range Hitting And Logistics

From March 16 onwards, ahead of the opening match of the season, IPL teams will be given two nets in the practice area along with one net on the main square dedicated for range hitting.

The BCCI has also granted the home franchise priority while scheduling practice sessions but has instructed organisers to consider the travelling schedule and match commitments of the visiting side.

“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.”

In case both teams request the same practice slot, the BCCI will step in to resolve the issue. “In the event that the home and away teams wish to practice at the same time, BCCI will ask the two team managers to try and resolve the double booking – either by one of the teams taking another session or by the two teams sharing the session.

“In the event that the two teams cannot resolve the double booking, BCCI will determine the practice times having considered the requests of both teams with the likely outcome that two 2 hour slots are created thereby giving both teams similar playing conditions with exclusive use of the ground (e.g. 18.00 – 20.00 & 20.00 – 22.00).”

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The guidelines also specify that the home franchise in IPL will oversee logistical arrangements for practice sessions, including catering, facilities, security, and medical support, while visiting teams will manage their own beverages.

For range hitting drills, each IPL team will receive a dedicated wicket located at the extreme edges of the main square. Teams can use these surfaces for power hitting practice, run-ups, bowling drills, and throwdowns.

The BCCI has also issued safety-related instructions, ensuring that nets remain open toward the non-pavilion side to reduce the risk of injury. At venues like Ahmedabad and Lucknow, the range-hitting wickets may feature either red or black soil, and the home team will get the first preference to choose the wicket for the initial 90 minutes of practice.