The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced last-minute changes to the guidelines for the Indian Premier League 2026, which is scheduled to begin on March 28.
According to a Cricbuzz report, one of the key changes is that teams will not be allowed to practice on match days. This move is aimed at preserving the pitch and goal for the game.
At the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the BCCI has arranged for two practice wickets to be allocated to the teams, which are placed on either side of the main square. Teams will not be permitted to use practice goals allocated to their opponents, even if they are empty.
“If one of the teams ends practice early, the other team may not use the wickets for their practice,” read the BCCI note, according to Cricbuzz. All teams will be prohibited from conducting fitness tests on the day of the match.
Rules for player families
The BCCI has also introduced stricter rules regarding the presence of players’ families.
On training days, only accredited personnel will have access to the locker room and the field. Family members and friends must stay in designated hospitality areas and will not be allowed on the field during practices.
In addition, families of players will not be allowed on the field during practices and must remain seated in designated hospitality areas. “On training days (during pre-tournaments and tournaments), only accredited personnel are allowed in the dressing room and on the playing field.
“Family members and friends of the players may travel in another vehicle and watch the team practice from the hospitality area. For extended support staff (tossing specialists / net bowlers), a list should be submitted for BCCI’s approval. After approval, match day accreditations will be issued for the same (sic),” read another BCCI note.
The report adds that players must travel on team buses when heading to ground training sessions. During the post-match presentation, players are not allowed to wear diskettes or sleeveless jerseys.
For the first offense players will receive a warning, for the second offense they will have to pay a fine. Orange and purple caps must also be worn as per BCCI guidelines.
“Players to wear orange and purple caps. In case the players are not wearing caps, we request the players to wear them during the first two matches till the telecast picks it up,” the BCCI added.
IPL 2026 will begin on March 28 when defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
