With just days left for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to begin, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rolled out a fresh set of rules—and this time, it’s all about discipline, control, and keeping things tight on and off the field.
The 19th edition of the IPL kicks off on March 28, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad. But ahead of the high-voltage opener, the focus has briefly shifted from cricketing action to compliance, as franchises and players are asked to follow a stricter code of conduct this season.
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No More ‘Open Nets’, Practice Gets Structured
One of the biggest changes this year is the complete ban on open net sessions.
Teams will now be assigned only two specific practice nets, and they’ll have to stick to those. Even if one side wraps up early, the other team won’t be allowed to use their nets. The idea is simple—avoid chaos and keep things organised.
Travel, Dressing Room & Family Access: Clear Boundaries
The BCCI has also drawn a firm line when it comes to player movement and dressing room access.
Players must travel to practice sessions using the official team bus—no private entries. Inside the stadium, dressing rooms are now strictly off-limits to family members. Only authorised staff will be allowed inside.
Families can still come to the venue, but they’ll have to sit in designated hospitality areas and arrive separately.
Presentation Rules & On-Field Restrictions
There are some interesting additions when it comes to match-day behaviour too.
Players have been told not to hit balls towards LED advertising boards during practice. Sitting directly in front of those boards is also not allowed anymore.
And yes, fashion police is active too—floppy hats, sleeveless jerseys, and flip-flops are now banned during post-match presentations.
Meanwhile, players holding the Orange Cap or Purple Cap must wear them on the field for at least two overs, ensuring better visibility and consistency for fans and broadcasters.
Medical Rules & Staff Limit Tightened
Another important update: no medical tests or procedures will be allowed on the main pitch during match days.
If any team violates this, they’ll first receive a warning. Repeat it, and penalties will follow.
Support staff numbers have also been capped. Each team can have a maximum of 12 support staff members, and everyone must carry valid accreditation at all times.
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Jersey Number Change? Inform 24 Hours Prior
Even small details haven’t been overlooked.
If a player wants to change their jersey number, they must inform the BCCI at least 24 hours in advance—no last-minute surprises.
Why BCCI Is Doing This
While the board hasn’t explicitly said it, the message is pretty clear—IPL 2026 is about tighter control, better discipline, and a more professional environment overall.
With the league getting bigger every year, managing operations smoothly has become just as important as the cricket itself.
As teams gear up for the opener, it’ll be interesting to see how strictly these rules are enforced—and whether they actually improve the flow of the tournament.
