The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to commence on March 22, featuring an opening match between the reigning champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens. In preparation for the 18th season of this lucrative league, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued guidelines to all franchises regarding their practice sessions.

According to Cricbuzz, the Indian cricket board has communicated to all ten franchises a clear directive limiting teams to a maximum of seven practice sessions prior to their first match in the tournament. This marks the first instance of such a regulation being implemented.

Additionally, the board has stipulated that teams are permitted only two warm-up matches or centre-wicket training sessions. These measures aim to maintain the pitch and ground in optimal condition for the league.

"In preparation for the season's inaugural match and as outlined in the Stadium Agreement, teams are allowed up to seven (7) practice sessions, each lasting a maximum of three (3) hours under floodlights, with two (2) designated for practice matches or open nets at the team's discretion," states the BCCI directive, as reported by Cricbuzz.

"The practice matches are to be conducted on one of the side wickets of the main square. If a team opts for a practice match under lights, the duration must not exceed three and a half hours. According to the Operational Rules, prior written approval from the BCCI is required for practice matches," the communication further elaborated.

Guidelines issued so that pitch remains in good condition

The board has explicitly indicated that no practice sessions or matches are permitted on the main square during the four days preceding the first home match of the relevant franchise for the season.

To ensure the pitch is adequately prepared for the season, the advisory specifies that no practice sessions or matches may occur on the main square in the four days leading up to the first home match of the franchise. 

Nevertheless, one side wicket per team will be available for range hitting during this period, should the home franchise request it, as stated by the advisory.

The BCCI has also outlined a procedure for instances when both the home and away teams wish to practice simultaneously prior to their respective matches in the IPL.

Should both teams desire to practice at the same time, the BCCI will encourage the two Team Managers to find a resolution to the scheduling conflict—either by having one team select a different session or by allowing both teams to share the session, as noted by the board.

If the two teams are unable to resolve the scheduling conflict, the BCCI will assign practice times, taking into account the requests from both teams. The likely outcome will be the creation of two 2-hour slots, ensuring both teams have similar playing conditions with exclusive access to the ground (for example, from 18:00 to 20:00 and from 20:00 to 22:00).

In the event that one team concludes their practice early, the other team will not be permitted to utilize the wickets for their practice.

The season will feature 74 matches across 13 venues, including 12 double-headers. Afternoon matches will commence at 3:30 PM IST, while evening matches will start at 7:30 PM IST.

After the league stage, the Playoffs will take place in Hyderabad and Kolkata. Hyderabad will host Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator on May 20, 2025, and May 21, 2025, respectively, with the final scheduled for May 25, 2025.

It is important to note that requests for open or partially open nets will not be accommodated, and the nets must be oriented towards the non-

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