Before IPL 2026, BCCI has made strict rules for training. Now only one team will use one practice pitch and playing practice matches on the main ground has also been banned.
Mumbai : The great battle of IPL 2026 is going to start from March 28 and fans are eagerly waiting for it. The schedule of the first phase has also arrived and all 10 teams are ready to take the field. But just before the start of the tournament, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made some important and strict rules regarding the training of the teams and the use of the pitch. According to the new guidelines of BCCI, if one team uses a pitch during the practice session, then no other team will be able to practice on that pitch. That is, after one team withdraws, the other team will be given a completely new pitch for practice. This rule will also apply to ‘throw down’ practice. Even if a team finishes practice before its scheduled time, that pitch will not be able to be used by the next team.
Ban on playing practice matches on main ground
The main pitches of the stadium are being prepared for the new season. Therefore, no team will be allowed to play practice matches on the main pitch. If a franchise wants to play a practice match, it will have to request another ground from its state cricket association. BCCI has also made it clear that practice matches held under floodlights should not be more than 3.5 hours long.
New rules on training camps and facilities also
Each team will be allowed to play a maximum of two practice matches, but for this the franchise will have to take prior approval from BCCI. It will be the responsibility of the ‘home franchise’ to provide all the necessary facilities to the visiting team during their practice. If there is any dispute between the teams regarding pitches or facilities during practice, the BCCI will directly intervene and take a decision.
In the first phase of the tournament, 20 matches will be played between March 28 and April 12. BCCI has said that keeping in mind the election dates in some states, the schedule of the remaining matches will be released later.