The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced new regulations limiting the number of practice sessions and warm-up matches for Indian Premier League (IPL) teams ahead of the new season. According to a BCCI directive, each team will be restricted to a maximum of seven practice sessions, while only two warm-up matches will be permitted before the start of the tournament. The decision has been made in consideration of the heavy workload on IPL venues due to domestic competitions being played close to the season’s commencement.
BCCI’s New Practice Session Guidelines
The latest directive from the BCCI was communicated to all IPL franchises through an official note, which also outlined other logistical changes. The note emphasized the need to balance venue maintenance with the increasing demands of pre-season preparation.
“In advance of the first match of the season and as set out in the Stadium Agreement, teams may have up to seven (7) practice sessions of up to three (3) hours in duration under floodlights, of which two (2) can be practice matches or open nets as decided by the team. The practice matches are to take place on one of the side wickets of the main square. If a team is playing a practice match under lights, the duration of the match should not exceed more than three and a half hours. As per the Operational Rules, practice matches require the prior written approval of the BCCI.”
Additionally, the note highlighted the importance of pitch preparation ahead of the IPL season, stating:
“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 (4) days leading up to the relevant franchise’s first home match of the season. However, one side wicket per team will be provided for range hitting on these days.”
Rationale Behind the Restrictions
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI’s decision stems from concerns over the excessive use of IPL venues during domestic tournaments in the lead-up to the league. With multiple events such as the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy taking place, stadiums and pitches are already under considerable strain.
By imposing these restrictions, the BCCI aims to ensure that the pitches remain in optimal condition throughout the IPL season. Additionally, the governing body seeks to strike a balance between team preparations and the need to maintain top-quality playing surfaces.
Challenges for IPL Teams
The new restrictions are likely to pose challenges for IPL teams, particularly in terms of structuring their pre-season training and strategizing their combinations. Key areas of concern include:
- Limited Time for Team Bonding and Strategy Execution
- With just seven practice sessions allowed, teams will have to optimize every session to integrate new players, work on tactics, and build team chemistry.
- Overseas players who join late due to international commitments may have limited opportunities to acclimate to conditions before the tournament begins.
- Reduced Warm-Up Matches
- The allowance of only two warm-up matches means that players returning from injuries or a long break from competitive cricket may have fewer opportunities to regain match fitness.
- Teams traditionally use warm-up matches to test different combinations, which will now be limited.
- Venue Allocation and Scheduling Conflicts
- The restriction on practice matches and sessions at main squares could lead to scheduling difficulties, especially with multiple teams sharing the same venues.
- Teams may face logistical issues in managing their practice sessions efficiently, particularly in the event of double bookings.
Resolution for Practice Session Conflicts
The BCCI has also set forth guidelines on how to handle situations where two teams request practice at the same venue at the same time.
“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).”
This solution ensures that both teams get sufficient training time while maintaining fairness in the allocation of ground usage.
Impact on Player Preparation
While the restrictions aim to protect the quality of pitches, they may have an impact on player readiness. Many players, particularly those who do not play international cricket regularly, rely on extensive net sessions and practice games to regain rhythm and form. A curtailed pre-season could mean:
- Increased risk of early-season rustiness, particularly for batsmen who require more time to adjust to match conditions.
- Reduced opportunities for young and uncapped players to showcase their skills and stake a claim in the playing XI.
- Increased reliance on team management and coaching staff to maximize output from limited sessions, making each practice crucial.
Franchise Reactions
While IPL franchises understand the necessity of pitch preservation, they are likely to have mixed reactions to the BCCI’s decision. Some teams may argue that seven practice sessions are insufficient for a tournament of IPL’s stature, especially with teams featuring a mix of domestic and international talent.
However, teams will have to adapt their pre-season strategies accordingly, possibly by scheduling intense intra-squad matches and leveraging technology-driven analysis to compensate for reduced on-ground preparation time.
Looking Ahead to IPL 2025
The IPL 2025 season will begin on March 22 with an exciting opening clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. With the new practice restrictions in place, teams will need to be meticulous in their preparations and make every session count.
In a tournament where fine margins often determine success, how well teams manage their pre-season will play a crucial role in their performance. The BCCI’s restrictions may prove to be an adjustment for teams, but they will have to find innovative ways to ensure their players are match-ready by the time the IPL gets underway.
Conclusion
The BCCI’s decision to limit practice sessions and warm-up matches ahead of IPL 2025 is a strategic move aimed at balancing venue maintenance with player preparation. While teams may face initial hurdles in adjusting to the reduced training schedule, adaptability will be key to ensuring peak performance in the tournament.
With less than a month to go before the start of the season, all eyes will be on how franchises manage their training regimens within the new constraints. As the league continues to evolve, teams must find ways to make the most of the time and resources available, ensuring they hit the ground running when IPL 2025 begins.
