Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented stricter guidelines for the Indian Premier League (IPL), focusing on player access and movement.
BCCI lays out strict rules for IPL 2025
Notably, the BCCI has restricted family members of players and support staff from entering the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) before and during matches. This includes a complete ban on dressing room access, even during practice sessions, a rule that is further reinforced on match days.
"Players to use the team bus while coming for practice. Teams may travel in two batches (sic)," a new BCCI rule says, as per Cricbuzz.
Not just this, the BCCI has also mandated that all players utilise the team bus for travel, a regulation mirroring the strict protocols enforced for Team India players during international fixtures. This directive, along with the updated PMOA access rules, was recently communicated to all IPL franchises via email, following a meeting with team managers held on February 18 via Zoom. The meeting served to clarify and explain the newly implemented regulatory changes to all participating teams.
"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 may friends 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 the BCCI. Once approved, non-match day accreditations will be issued for the same," the mail states, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
BCCI has issued additional directives regarding player conduct and on-field procedures for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Notably, the BCCI has prohibited fitness tests from being conducted on the main square of the pitch during match days. This restriction alters the common practice of team physiotherapists utilizing the central track to assess player fitness immediately prior to the start of a game. Furthermore, the BCCI has mandated that players wearing the Orange and Purple caps, awarded to the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker respectively, must do so for a minimum of two overs and during post-match presentation ceremonies. Additionally, sleeveless jerseys are prohibited during these presentations.
To ensure comprehensive understanding and compliance with these updated regulations, the BCCI has scheduled an in-person meeting with all IPL team captains. This meeting, set to take place on March 20 at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai, deviates from the usual practice of holding such meetings in the host city of the inaugural match.
The upcoming IPL 2025 is slated to kick off from March 22 with a clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The 18th season of the glitzy league will finally concluded on May 25.
These are the rules and regulations which will be affected in IPL 2025:
SOPs during tournament
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 the 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.
Rules and Regulations during Match Day
1. It is mandatory for PMOA accredited staff bring their accreditation on match day. On the first instance failure of not carrying the accreditation, a warning will be issued. On the second instance, a monetary fine will be issued to the team.
2. Despite providing hitting nets, players 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. 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 Cap. 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 jersey 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 2024 season, only 12 accredited support staff will be permitted which includes team doctor.
Jersey Number
1. In case of change in jersey numbers, please inform 24 hours in advance as mentioned in clothing & equipment guidelines.
