The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will operate under stricter regulations after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced a new set of operating rules for all franchises. ‘
The IPL 2026 season will start on March 28with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match.
According to a report in Cricbuzz, the updated framework includes a ban on match-day training along with tighter controls on team movement, training facilities and match-day behaviour.
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The BCCI had earlier issued guidelines regarding practice areas and net usage on March 12. However, the Board has now added additional guidance that expands on the existing framework instead of issuing separate rules.
While the previous guidelines focused mainly on training areas, main square restrictions and scheduling windows, the newly added regulations deal with player travel protocols, access restrictions and discipline during training and match days.
These updated instructions were sent to team managers on March 24.
NEW RULES OF PRACTICE
- No practice sessions will be permitted on match days under any circumstances.
- All exercises must take place strictly within designated networks; open trainings are not allowed.
- Teams cannot use fields assigned to other franchises, even if they become available earlier.
- Each team will receive two nets on the training ground along with one side goal on the main square.
- If both teams are training at the same time in Mumbai, each side will be allotted two wickets.
- Fitness tests or practice on match days are strictly prohibited.
- Only players and officially accredited personnel are allowed into the training areas. Family members must stay in designated hospitality sections.
- The franchises have to submit a list of net bowlers and bowling specialists for BCCI approval.
- Players must travel exclusively on the team bus to training sessions. Family members may not travel with players.
MATCH DAY RULES
- All support staff must carry an accreditation card at all times. A warning will be issued for the first violation, with fines for repeated violations.
- Players practicing in the nets must avoid hitting the LED advertising boards.
- Sitting in front of LED boards is prohibited. Substitutes must use reserved seats marked by franchises.
- Orange cap and purple cap holders are required to wear the caps on match days. In cases where players do not have caps, they must wear them during the first two overs until it is picked up by the broadcast.
- Players must follow the prescribed dress code during post-match presentations. Sleeveless jerseys and floppy hats are not permitted; Violations will result in penalties.
- As per IPL 2025 regulations, only 12 members of the support staff, including team doctors, will be allowed inside the designated match areas.
JERSEY RULES
If teams wish to change their jersey numbers, they must inform the BCCI at least 24 hours in advance.
Together, the March 12 directive and the latest additions create a more structured and disciplined operational framework for the tournament.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
24 March 2026 16:10 IST
