IPL 2026: BCCI Guidelines on Practice and Pitch Usage

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced operational guidelines for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, aimed at regulating training conditions, pitch usage, and pre-match preparations across franchises.

The guidelines include a prohibition on practice sessions on match days, the allocation of separate practice nets and wickets for each team, and restrictions on the use of match pitches, to ensure fairness and maintain the quality of playing conditions.

Key Operational Measures:

Match-Day Practice and Training Restrictions

Match-day training is not permitted, including fitness tests on the main square. Each team is allotted two separate practice nets along with a designated side wicket for range-hitting. Fresh practice pitches must be provided for each session, and teams are not permitted to use facilities allocated to their opponents, even where they remain unused. It has further been made mandatory that practice wickets should be fresh and non-overlapping to prevent any cross-utilisation of surfaces between competing teams. Only accredited personnel are allowed access to practice areas; family members must remain in designated hospitality sections and travel separately from players.

Restrictions on Practice Matches

A maximum of two practice matches can be organised with prior approval from the BCCI. When such practice matches are conducted under floodlights, their duration must not exceed 3.5 hours. Also, these matches cannot be conducted on the main match pitches.

Regulation of Pitch Access and Pre-Match Conditions

Use of the main square is prohibited in the lead-up to matches, with restrictions extending up to four days before a franchise’s first home match of the season. This “main square blackout” period is intended to preserve pitch quality and ensure that playing conditions remain neutral and consistent for both sides. If a home team needs to train during this blackout period, the respective State Association must provide an alternative venue at no cost. Broader controls over practice areas and related activities to maintain uniform standards across franchises have also been introduced by the BCCI.

Additional Operational Controls

The guidelines also extend beyond practice sessions, including restrictions on certain on-field activities and structured oversight of training environments, further reinforcing centralised control over match preparation. Only 12 accredited support staff members, including the team doctor, are permitted on match days. Players must travel to practice sessions by the official team bus. The BCCI has also enforced dress code requirements: Orange Cap and Purple Cap holders must wear their caps during broadcast moments, and sleeveless jerseys and slippers are prohibited during post-match presentations.

These guidelines have been issued by the BCCI to all IPL teams, clarifying what is permitted and what is not during the tournament. This framework marks a shift towards a more standardised competitive environment, minimising disparities arising from venue conditions or training access. The measures address long-standing complaints about “home-ground manipulation,” where host teams allegedly used better practice tracks than visiting teams.