Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released new guidelines before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The board has made several changes to improve discipline and organisation. The biggest rule is that no practice sessions will be allowed on match days.
The new rules also include special arrangements at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Teams will get two practice wickets each on either side of the main square. If both teams train at the same time, they will get equal space. Teams are not allowed to use their opponent’s practice wickets.
New rules for practice, travel and match days
BCCI has continued some old rules as well. Teams cannot conduct fitness tests on the main square on match days. Players must travel to the stadium on the team bus during practice days. Family members and friends must travel separately and watch from hospitality areas.
The board has shared detailed instructions with team managers. These include:
• Teams will get 2 nets in the practice area and 1 of the side wickets on the main square to do range hitting. For the Mumbai venue, if both the teams are practicing at the same time, teams will get 2 wickets each.
No open nets will be allowed.
• If one of the teams finishes their practice early, the other team is not allowed to use the wickets for their practice.
• No practice will be allowed on Match days.
• No fitness test will take place on the Match Day on the main square.
• On practice days (during pre-tournament & tournament), only accredited staff is allowed in the dressing room and on the field of play. Player family members and friends travel in a different vehicle and can watch team practice from the hospitality area. For extended support staff ( throw down specialist/net bowlers) list needs to be submitted for approval to the BCCI. Once approved, non- match day accreditations will be issued for the same.
• Players to use the team bus while coming for practice. Teams may travel in two batches.
• For any request related to practice, fitness test on Match days, Venue Manager will be the POC.
Match-day rules are also strict. Accreditation is mandatory for staff. Repeated failure will lead to fines. Players must avoid hitting LED boards during practice. They must also follow dress rules during presentations.
These steps show BCCI’s focus on better control and smooth conduct of IPL 2026.
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