IPL 2026: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced stringent practice-session guidelines, specifying that teams are prohibited from training on pitches used by their rivals during net sessions.
Ensuring a level playing field and stopping any possible advantages gained through pitch understanding, the fresh nets are required for teams practising subsequently.
"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 stated as quoted by Cricbuzz.
The BCCI has directed that practice matches under lights be capped at 3.5 hours, with teams permitted up to two such matches on a side wicket of the main square, subject to prior approval.
"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 to the franchise."
From March 16, teams will have access to two nets at the practice area and one on the main square for scope hitting, with the home team holding priority over visiting sides.
"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 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)."