BCCI Tightens IPL 2026 Rules: No Match-Day Nets, Strict Pitch and Family Guidelines
BCCI sets IPL 2026 rules: no match-day practice, restricted pitch usage, and clear guidelines for players’ families.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued updated guidelines for the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), set to begin on March 28. The tournament will open with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB, led by Virat Kohli, will aim to defend their maiden title from last year.
According to reports by Cricbuzz, the BCCI has introduced several directives aimed at regulating practice sessions and maintaining pitch conditions. Most notably, teams will no longer be allowed to hold practice sessions on their match days to preserve the wickets for official games. At venues such as Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, each team will be allocated two nets in the practice area along with a side wicket on the main square for range-hitting. If multiple teams practice simultaneously at the same venue, each will be allotted two wickets.
Teams are strictly prohibited from using practice areas assigned to their opponents, even if unoccupied, and fitness tests for players are not allowed on match days. The rules are designed to ensure fairness, protect the pitch, and regulate the workload of players during the intense tournament schedule.
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The BCCI has also clarified guidelines regarding players’ families. Teams are required to travel to stadiums via the official team bus, and family members and friends are barred from entering the field during training sessions. They may observe practice only from designated hospitality areas.
Players have been reminded to adhere to dress-code requirements, particularly regarding the Orange and Purple Caps during post-match presentation ceremonies. The board emphasized that these measures are essential to maintain decorum and professionalism throughout the tournament.
With the IPL 2026 season approaching, franchises are expected to adjust quickly to these rules, balancing player preparation with compliance. These last-minute directives highlight the BCCI’s continued focus on fairness, player welfare, and the overall quality of the competition.
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