IPL 2026: BCCI bans match-day practice, introduces strict new rules for teams

BCCI has introduced strict new rules for IPL 2026, including a ban on match-day practice and fresh guidelines for training sessions, pitch usage, and team operations.

IPL trophy/ pic credit: @bcci/x

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has come up with new guidelines ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. As per Cricbuzz, the board has issued an addendum with a fresh set of instructions for the franchises and the players ahead of the tournament to ensure smooth functioning of the tournament. This time, the rules have gotten stricter, even with the dress code.

Moreover, the teams will not be allowed to practice on the match days. They will have to complete their preparations before the scheduled match days. Meanwhile, players are not allowed to wear sleeveless jerseys and floppies to the post-match presentations. On breaking any of the rules, the board will give a warning and then impose financial penalties.

Also read: IPL 2026 jersey guide: Where to buy jersey of each team, prices, and new kit designs

BCCI’s new addendum for IPL 2026

1. Teams will get 2 nets in the practice area and 1 of the side wickets on the main square to do range hitting. For the Mumbai venue, if both the teams are practicing at the same time, teams will get 2 wickets each.

2. No open nets will be allowed.

3. If one of the teams finishes their practice early, other team is not allowed to use the wickets for their practice.

4. No practice will be allowed on Match days.

5. No fitness test will take place on the Match Day on the main square.

6. On practice days (during pre-tournament & tournament), only accredited staff is allowed in the dressing room and on the field of play. Player family members and friends to travel in a different vehicle and can watch team practice from the hospitality area. For extended support staff ( throw down specialist/net bowlers) list need to be submitted for approval to BCCI. Once approved, non- match day accreditations will be issued for the same.

7. Players to use the team bus while coming for practice. Teams may travel in two batches.

8. For any request related to practice, fitness test on Match days, Venue Manager will be the POC.

Also read: Who is Saurabh Dubey, the left-arm pacer who replaced Akash Deep in the KKR squad for IPL 2026?

Match Day guidelines

1. It is mandatory for PMOA accredited staff bring their accreditation on match day. On the first instance failure of not carrying the accreditation, warning will be issued. On second instance, monetary fine will be issued to the team.

2. Despite providing hitting nets, player keep hitting on the LED boards. We request teams to adhere to it.

3. Players and support staff not to sit in front of the LED boards. The sponsorship team will mark places across the FOP where substitutes carrying towels and water bottles can be seated.

4. Players to wear orange and purple caps. In case where players do not wear caps, we request players to wear for the first two overs till broadcast captures it.

5. In the post-match presentation, floppies and sleeveless jerseys are not allowed. Failure to do so will result in warning on the first instance. On the second instance, there will be a financial penalty.

6. On match days, similar to IPL 2025 season, only 12 accredited support staff will be permitted which includes team doctor.

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