BCCI bars practice sessions on match-day in updated IPL guidelines

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an addendum with a fresh set of instructions, including a directive that no practice sessions will be permitted on match days.

The BCCI has also made a separate arrangement at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai, where two practice wickets each – on either side of the main square – will be allotted to the teams. As previously reported, no team will be allowed to use the practice wicket assigned to the opposition.

According to a note by the BCCI, the following are the additional guidelines sent to the team managers recently:

1. Teams will get 2 nets in the practice area and 1 of the side wickets on the main square to do range hitting. For the Mumbai venue, if both the teams are practicing at the same time, teams will get 2 wickets each.
2. No open nets will be allowed.
3. If one of the teams finishes their practice early, other team is not allowed to use the wickets for their practice.
4. No practice will be allowed on Match days.

As has been the norm in recent years, teams are not permitted to conduct fitness tests on the main square on match days. Players are also required to travel to the stadium on the team bus and separately from their family members on practice days. Family and friends can go to the venue in separate vehicles.

5. No fitness test will take place on the Match Day on the main square.
6. On practice days (during pre-tournament & tournament), only accredited staff is allowed in the dressing room and on the field of play. Player family members and friends to travel in a different vehicle and can watch team practice from the hospitality area.
7. Players to use the team bus while coming for practice. Teams may travel in two batches.
8. For any request related to practice, fitness test on Match days, Venue Manager will be the point of contact.

Other key directives from the BCCI include:

• It is mandatory for PMOA accredited staff to bring their accreditation on match day. Failure to do so will result in a warning for the first instance and a monetary fine for the second.
• Teams are requested to adhere to using the provided hitting nets and to avoid players hitting balls onto the LED boards.
• Players and support staff are not to sit in front of the LED boards. Designated areas will be marked for substitutes.
• Players are to wear orange and purple caps. If caps are not worn, players are requested to wear them for at least the first two overs for broadcast capture.
• In post-match presentations, floppies and sleeveless jerseys are not allowed. Violations will lead to a warning first, followed by a financial penalty.
• On match days, only 12 accredited support staff (including the team doctor) will be permitted, similar to the previous season.
• Any changes in jersey numbers must be informed 24 hours in advance as per existing guidelines.