The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decreed that an IPL team cannot train on the pitch that was used by the rival side during its net session. According to practice-session guidelines shared by the board with the franchises ahead of the season starting on March 28, fresh nets must be prepared if one team practises after the other.

"Fresh nets should be provided to each team for their allocated practice session. In any event of simultaneous practice sessions or when one team practises 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," the five-page guidelines state.

If a team intends to play a practice match under lights, the duration of the match should not exceed three and a half hours, the BCCI has clearly stated in the communique. The teams will be permitted to have up to two practice matches - with prior permission from the BCCI - and it shall take place on one of the side wickets of the main square.

The BCCI also made it clear that a practice match cannot be played on the main square. "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 BCCI says.

"During this period, if requested by the home franchise, the State Association should make an alternative practice ground available to the franchise at no cost to the franchise."

Ahead of the season's first match, teams will be allocated two nets at the practice area and one net on the main square for range hitting from March 16 onwards.

The BCCI note further states the home team will have the preference over the visiting side. "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."

The BCCI will intervene in the event of a clash over practice sessions. "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)."

General guideline

The home franchise is responsible for coordinating the logistical arrangements for practice sessions for both teams - e.g. catering for teams, cricket facilities (in consultation with the State Association curator and IPL Venue Manager), medical services and security arrangements - during the regular season. Away teams need to make provisions for their own beverages. BCCI will make the arrangements for practice session requirements for the playoffs.

Range hitting

Teams will be able to practice range hitting throughout their scheduled practice session. One wicket for each team will be prepared at the extreme edge on both sides of the main square. Teams may use the wicket for range hitting, bowling run-throughs, run-ups, throw downs, or any other intended purpose.

Additionally, the nets must be open towards the non-pavilion side to prevent injuries. At Ahmedabad and Lucknow venues, range hitting wickets are either of red or black soil. The home team will select the preferred wicket for range hitting for the first 90 minutes of practice.