Preparations for the 2026 Indian Premier League are already being shaped by a detailed set of operational guidelines issued to franchises.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has circulated a comprehensive set of directives governing practice sessions, pitch usage and scheduling for all ten teams ahead of the new season, according to a report by Cricbuzz’s Vijay Tagore.
Separate nets mandated for every franchise practice session
One of the central requirements introduced by the governing body concerns how practice nets are allocated during training sessions. Teams will no longer be allowed to use practice surfaces previously occupied by another franchise.
“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,” according to the BCCI directive shared with IPL franchises.
The policy is intended to ensure equal preparation conditions for all teams while maintaining the quality of practice facilities during the tournament.
BCCI outlines process for practice session scheduling conflicts
The league’s governing body has also laid out procedures to handle situations where teams request overlapping practice slots at a venue.
“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,” the BCCI directive stated.
If the teams are unable to reach an agreement themselves, the board will step in to allocate practice time.
“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),” the BCCI directive added.
Practice match limits and floodlight restrictions introduced
Beyond regular net sessions, the BCCI has also placed boundaries around practice matches held by franchises during the season.
“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 directive said.
Teams are permitted to organise practice matches during the competition, but these fixtures must comply with specific conditions and cannot be staged on the main match pitch.
Pitch protection rules enforced before home fixtures
Another significant rule introduced for IPL 2026 relates to pitch preparation in the days leading up to a team’s first home match of the season.
“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. 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 BCCI directive noted.
The measure is designed to protect playing surfaces and ensure that pitches remain in optimal condition when the season begins at each venue.
Home and away teams to coordinate practice arrangements
The guidelines also address how practice slots should be prioritised when both teams at a venue need access to the training facilities.
“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,” the BCCI directive said.
With the IPL scheduled to begin on March 28, the new rules form part of the BCCI’s effort to standardise practice arrangements across venues and ensure that all franchises operate under the same preparation framework throughout the season.
