BCCI Bans Match-Day Practice, Tightens Rules Ahead of IPL 2026 Opener

New Delhi — The Indian Premier League 2026 season will kick off under a stricter rulebook, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India rolls out new regulations aimed at streamlining team conduct and match-day operations.

As per a report by Cricbuzz, the updated guidelines build on directives issued earlier this month, with a sharper focus on discipline, player movement, and access control.

The revised rules were communicated to franchises just days before the opening clash on March 28, where defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad.

A major change is the complete ban on practice sessions on match days. Teams are now required to finish all preparations during designated time slots, using only assigned practice nets. Open practice sessions have been scrapped, and teams are not allowed to use pitches allocated to others—even if they are free.

Each team will be allotted two nets and one side wicket, while venues like Mumbai will offer two wickets per team to allow simultaneous practice. Fitness drills and testing are also prohibited on match days, and access to practice areas is restricted strictly to players and authorized staff. Family members will be confined to hospitality zones.

The BCCI has also tightened travel and staffing norms. Players must use the team bus for practice sessions, with no provision for family members to accompany them. Franchises are required to submit details of net bowlers and throwdown specialists for approval. On match days, support staff must carry accreditation cards at all times, with penalties in place for violations.

Additional rules include restrictions during practice—players are not allowed to hit or sit in front of LED advertising boards. Substitute players will also have designated seating arrangements.

Broadcast-related guidelines have been refined as well. Players holding the Orange Cap or Purple Cap must wear them during matches, at least in the initial overs, to ensure visibility. A stricter dress code has been enforced for post-match presentations, where sleeveless jerseys and floppy hats are not permitted.

As per existing norms, only 12 support staff members—including team doctors—will be allowed in match-day operational zones. Teams must also inform the board at least 24 hours in advance for any jersey number changes.

With these tighter regulations in place, the BCCI aims to bring greater discipline and uniformity to one of the world’s biggest cricket leagues.

With inputs from IANS