As the countdown to IPL 2026 begins on March 28, the BCCI has dropped a bombshell in the form of a comprehensive 5-page directive for all franchises. These new regulations aim to standardize practice sessions and preserve pitch quality, leaving no room for the casual approach previously seen during pre-season camps.

The most talked-about update is the ‘210-minute rule.’ Any practice match held under floodlights must now conclude within 210 minutes to prevent excessive wear and tear on the turf. This effectively puts an end to long intra-squad games. Furthermore, franchises are restricted to a maximum of two practice matches, which require prior approval from the board and must be played strictly on side wickets, not the main pitch.

BCCI has also barred the use of main pitches four days prior to any official game. To ensure fairness regarding weather and dew factors, two specific practice slots have been introduced: 6 PM to 8 PM and 8 PM to 10 PM. Teams will have dedicated nets and cannot share equipment or throw-down facilities with rivals. If a team finishes early, their assigned wicket cannot be reused by anyone else. These tactical changes signify the BCCI’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field and ensuring top-notch pitch conditions throughout the grueling season.