IPL 2026: BCCI introduces strict new rules for teams ahead of season

While the IPL 2026 is set to begin in four days, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come up with some strict rules for the teams. 

Indian Premier League 2026 will be the 19th edition of the tournament, which will begin on March 28 with the match between the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and SunRisers Hyderabad at Bengaluru. 

A total of the first 20 match schedules have been released already, while the remaining fixtures for the IPL 2026 will be confirmed soon. 

No match-day practice allowed as BCCI tightens IPL 2026 guidelines

In the new BCCI guideline, there is no match-day practice. This decision will not only help to protect the pitches, but it will also ensure that there is complete focus on the game on the field, with less disruption from the practice setups, staff movement, or ground staff. 

See Also: Royal Challengers Bengaluru to pay tribute to Bengaluru stampede victims ahead of IPL 2026

Know the new rules set by BCCI for upcoming season

Here are the complete new rules, which the BCCI has set for the IPL 2026.

New practice session rules

• No open nets will be allowed.
• Team can't utilise the other team's allotted wickets, even if the other team's practice ends early. 
• On match days, fitness tests won't be allowed on the main square. 
• On practice days, players must travel to the stadium in the team bus, while the team can travel in two batches. 
• Players can't travel with family members and friends, who can reach the stadium separately from the players, while they can watch from the hospitality area. 

New match day rules

• Despite the provision of hitting nets, players shouldn't hit onto the LED boards. 
• Players and support staff can't sit in front of the LED boards. The sitting area will be marked. 
• Players must wear the Orange or Purple cap. Even if they can't carry it for the entire game, they should wear it for at least the first two overs, which can help the broadcasters capture them. 
• Sleeveless jerseys and slippers are banned for the post-match presentation. First time breaching it will set a warning, while the second time will be resulted a fine.