New Delhi: With the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League scheduled to begin on March 28, 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released a set of updated guidelines and last-minute rule changes for all ten participating franchises.
The tournament opener will see defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Having secured their maiden IPL title last season, RCB and star players like Virat Kohli will be eyeing another strong campaign.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI has issued strict directives aimed at maintaining pitch quality, ensuring fairness, and streamlining operations during the high-stakes league.
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Among the key changes:
- Teams will no longer be permitted to conduct practice sessions on match days. This measure is intended to protect the pitch and wicket exclusively for the actual game.
- At Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, the BCCI will provide each team with two practice nets in the designated area along with a side wicket on the main square specifically for range-hitting drills.
- When two teams are practising simultaneously at the same venue, each will be allotted two dedicated wickets.
- Franchises have been strictly barred from using practice areas assigned to their opponents, even if those areas remain unoccupied at the time. This rule seeks to promote equitable access and regulate overall pitch usage across venues.
- Fitness tests for players are also prohibited on match days.
Additional guidelines include:
- All teams must travel to the ground exclusively via the official team bus.
- Family members and friends of players will not be allowed on the field of play during training sessions. They may only observe practice from the designated hospitality areas.
- Players have been reminded to strictly follow the prescribed dress code at all times.
- During post-match presentation ceremonies, the Orange Cap and Purple Cap winners must wear the caps as directed by officials.
These directives come as the IPL 2026 season approaches, with franchises expected to comply fully to avoid any last-minute issues.
The BCCI’s updated guidelines underscore its focus on maintaining the highest standards of preparation, player discipline, and venue management throughout the tournament.