BCCI restricts further movement of players (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: The BCCI has introduced a new rule in IPL 2026 to restrict the movement of substitutes and bench players during matches, according to a Cricbuzz report. According to this update, only the 16 players listed in the match lineup are allowed on the field, while the others must remain in the dugout. The move is believed to be an effort to tighten discipline on the field, although no official reason has been given.
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New rules for substitutes
The report understands that teams have been told that players who are not part of the playing squad cannot enter the pitch, even for routine tasks such as carrying drinks or messages. Only a maximum of five players with bibs can move near the border at any time.“Instructions were given to us only recently that all substitutes cannot move during the match. They are also not allowed to bring drinks onto the field. Only the 16 named in the squad for the match can do that. In addition, only five outside the playing eleven can move. Others can sit in the dugout, but cannot move between the boundary line and the LED advertising boards,” team sources said.
What does this mean
Earlier bigger teams often had several players who assisted on the pitch during matches. Now the BCCI has tightened the existing rules to curb unnecessary movement and maintain better control. The change affects all IPL teams this season where teams can have up to 25 players but only 16 are officially part of the match.While the exact reason remains unclear, the decision is seen as stricter enforcement of playing conditions to streamline match operations and avoid overcrowding.
