BCCI introduces new guidelines for IPL 2026, match-day practice barred; strict travel policy for players and families

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly implemented more stringent operational protocols for the upcoming IPL 2026 season, introducing fresh directives governing training routines and match-day conduct. According to reports from Cricbuzz, these revised guidelines were recently distributed to all franchise team managers to ensure a standardized approach across the league.

Big change in IPL guidelines ahead of 2026 season

One of the most significant changes is a blanket ban on practice sessions on match days. This move is specifically designed to preserve the quality of the playing square and streamline the tight scheduling of the tournament. Consequently, franchises will be required to maximize their preparation during designated training windows in the days leading up to their fixtures, rather than conducting last-minute drills on the morning of a game.

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The BCCI has also detailed venue-specific logistics, with a particular focus on Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. To manage the high volume of activity at the ground, practice facilities have been strictly partitioned. Each squad will be allocated two nets in the practice area and one side wicket on the main square for range-hitting drills. In scenarios where both competing teams are training simultaneously, the allocation will be adjusted to two wickets per side to ensure equitable access.

To further maintain order and fairness, the board has instituted a 'no-trespassing' policy regarding training surfaces; teams are strictly prohibited from using any nets or wickets assigned to their opponents, even if those areas are currently unoccupied. Furthermore, the board has banned 'open nets" and barred teams from moving onto wickets that were vacated early by their rivals to prevent uneven wear on the surfaces.

Finally, the BCCI has reiterated that fitness drills on the main square remain prohibited on match days. This continuation of a long-standing rule ensures that the primary playing surface remains in peak condition for the broadcasted action, minimising any unnecessary foot traffic before the first ball is bowled.

Building on the restrictive measures introduced for international tours last year, the BCCI has reportedly extended its family interaction guidelines to the IPL 2026 season. In a move to centralize team operations, a new "diktat" requires all players to travel to the stadium exclusively via the official team bus. While many players already follow this practice, the new rule eliminates the previous flexibility that allowed some to use private vehicles when playing matches in their own hometowns.

The regulations also draw a firm line between professional zones and guest areas. Family members and friends are now strictly prohibited from entering the dressing rooms or being present on the field of play during training sessions. Instead, any guests wishing to observe team preparations must remain in designated hospitality sections. These boundaries are intended to maintain a high-performance environment and minimize distractions during the tournament’s intensive schedule.

To ensure a polished broadcast presentation, the board has issued specific conduct instructions for players while on camera. Teams have been advised to avoid hitting balls directly into the LED advertising boards and are prohibited from sitting in front of them during matches, as this can obscure sponsor branding. Furthermore, the board will strictly monitor the use of visible performance markers, such as the Orange and Purple caps, and will enforce penalties for any non-compliance regarding official post-match presentation attire.

Administrative precision is also a priority for the upcoming season. Franchises have been reminded that any changes to jersey numbers must be officially reported to the board at least 24 hours in advance. This ensures that all digital and broadcast graphics remain accurate for fans and commentators, reflecting the BCCI’s broader push for operational excellence across the league.

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.

As has been the norm in recent years, teams are not permitted to conduct fitness tests on the main square on match days. Players are also required to travel to the stadium on the team bus and separately from their family members on practice days. Family and friends can go to the venue in separate vehicles.

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.

Match Day protocols

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.

Jersey Number rule

1. In case of change in jersey numbers, please inform 24 hours in advance as mentioned in clothing & equipment guidelines