BCCI Issues Strict Guidelines For All 10 Franchises Ahead Of IPL 2026

As anticipation builds for the highly awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, the apex cricket governing body in India has issued a comprehensive set of stringent guidelines to all ten participating franchises. These new directives are designed to ensure fair play, maintain pitch integrity, and streamline practice protocols across the league, promising an even more professional and competitive tournament.

A primary focus of the new regulations concerns net sessions. Teams have been explicitly instructed that they are not permitted to train on the same pitch that has already been utilized by a rival franchise during their practice session. This rule is a significant step towards ensuring equitable conditions for all teams and preventing any potential wear and tear advantages or disadvantages based on pitch usage.

The guidelines further elaborate on this, stating unequivocally that fresh practice pitches must be allocated to each team for their designated training slots. This applies especially when sessions are scheduled back-to-back or simultaneously. The directives clearly articulate: "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." This meticulous planning aims to ensure optimal and consistent practice environments for every squad, fostering a level playing field.

Beyond net sessions, the new framework also introduces strict rules regarding practice matches. Franchises intending to conduct a practice match under lights must ensure that its duration does not exceed a maximum of three and a half hours. This measure likely aims to conserve player energy, manage logistics, and maintain scheduling efficiency within the busy IPL calendar.

Furthermore, teams are limited to a maximum of two practice matches before their official league campaign commences. However, these matches are subject to prior notification and approval from the cricket board. Critically, these preparatory games are absolutely forbidden on the actual pitches designated for official IPL matches. This regulation underscores the commitment to preserving the match wickets in pristine condition for competitive play, ensuring they are not overused or damaged during informal training.

To safeguard the quality of the main playing squares, another crucial directive has been implemented. "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 governing body announced. This 'blackout' period allows groundskeepers ample time to meticulously prepare and restore the pitches to their optimal state for the commencement of competitive fixtures. During this crucial preparation window, if requested by the home franchise, the respective State Association is mandated to make an alternative practice ground available to the franchise at no additional cost, ensuring uninterrupted training for the teams.

In terms of daily practice allocations, each of the two competing teams will be granted access to two nets for general practice sessions, along with an additional net on the main square specifically for range hitting. In situations where disputes might arise regarding scheduling or preferred practice slots, the cricket board has affirmed its policy to give preference to the visiting team. "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." This thoughtful consideration for visiting teams, often grappling with travel fatigue and logistical challenges, highlights the league's commitment to player welfare and fair competition. These new comprehensive guidelines are set to elevate the professional standards of the IPL 2026 season, promising a more structured and equitable environment for all participating franchises.