IPL 2026: BCCI Bans Shared Practice Pitches Under New Guidelines

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released a comprehensive set of new guidelines governing practice sessions and pitch usage for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. According to the 5-page document sent to all franchises, teams are now strictly prohibited from practicing on pitches or nets that have already been utilized by an opposing team during the same session. This move is aimed at ensuring high-quality practice surfaces and maintaining a level playing field for all participating squads.

Mandatory Separate Pitches for Every Team

Under the new regulations, it's mandatory for the host authorities to provide fresh pitches for every team's practice session. Even if one team schedules its practice immediately after another, the second team won't be permitted to use the nets or pitches used by the first. According to officials, this restriction extends to throw-down sessions as well. On top of that, if a team concludes its practice session earlier than scheduled, the opposing team is barred from utilizing their vacated range-hitting wickets or net facilities. Each franchise must be provided with a newly prepared set of nets to ensure consistency in surface behavior.

Strict Time Limits for Practice Matches

The BCCI has also introduced specific constraints on the conduct of practice matches. 5 hours. Also, franchises are limited to a maximum of 2 practice matches during the pre-season preparation phase. To organize these matches, teams are required to obtain prior formal approval from the BCCI. These measures are designed to manage player workload and ensure that stadium resources aren't overextended before the commencement of the official tournament.

Prohibition of Practice on Main Match Squares

To preserve the quality of the match surfaces, the BCCI has explicitly banned any practice sessions or practice matches on the main square of the stadiums, while as the preparation of match pitches is a continuous process throughout the season, the board has prioritized the protection of the center strip. If a home franchise requires a venue for a practice match, they must coordinate with their respective State Cricket Association to secure a separate practice ground. The main stadium pitches will remain strictly reserved for official IPL fixtures only.

Logistics and Catering Responsibilities of Home Franchises

According to the guidelines, the home franchise bears the responsibility for arranging all necessary facilities for the practice sessions of both the host and the visiting teams. This includes providing comprehensive cricket-related infrastructure, catering services, and other logistical support, while however, for the playoff stages of the tournament, the BCCI will take direct charge of managing practice requirements and associated arrangements. The board emphasized that all franchises must adhere to the established security and operational protocols during these sessions.

Standardization of Practice Facilities

This initiative by the BCCI is seen as a step toward standardizing the infrastructure and preparation facilities across all IPL venues. By enforcing pitch rotation and the use of fresh nets, the board aims to provide players with a superior and safer practice environment. State associations have been instructed to deploy adequate ground staff and curators to meet these new requirements. The focus remains on ensuring that the intensity of preparation matches the professional standards of the league while safeguarding the longevity of the playing surfaces throughout the 2026 season.