Tue Mar 04 15:30:00 UTC 2025: **BCCI Limits IPL Teams’ Practice Sessions Ahead of New Season**
MUMBAI – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced restrictions on practice sessions for Indian Premier League (IPL) teams in the lead-up to the upcoming season, which begins March 22nd. A BCCI directive limits teams to a maximum of seven practice sessions, including a maximum of two warm-up matches, before the tournament commences.
The decision, reported by Cricbuzz, is attributed to the strain placed on venues by domestic matches scheduled close to the IPL start date. To accommodate this, the BCCI note also requests host grounds to prioritize IPL teams’ usage over local games, legends leagues, or celebrity tournaments.
Teams are permitted up to seven three-hour practice sessions under floodlights, with two sessions potentially used for practice matches or open nets. Practice matches, requiring BCCI approval, must be played on side wickets and, if under lights, must not exceed three and a half hours. Crucially, no practice sessions or matches are allowed on the main square in the four days preceding a team’s first home game; however, one side wicket will be available for range hitting.
The BCCI has also addressed potential scheduling conflicts. If home and away teams require simultaneous practice, their managers will be asked to resolve the issue; if unsuccessful, the BCCI will allocate two two-hour slots, ensuring fair playing conditions for both teams. The IPL season will kick off at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, with Kolkata Knight Riders facing Royal Challengers Bangalore.
First Piper 