New Rules Implemented for IPL 2026: Ban on Practice on Match Days; Players Will Not Be Allowed to Travel with Families

The 2026 edition of the IPL is set to commence on March 28. Ahead of the tournament’s start, the BCCI has issued a set of guidelines. In its new directive, the BCCI has clarified various protocols regarding what teams are permitted—and not permitted—to do.

Going forward, players from every team will be allowed to travel exclusively in the designated team bus. They are not permitted to travel alongside their families. Furthermore, no practice sessions will be allowed on match days.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI has also made specific arrangements at Wankhede Stadium, where teams will be allotted two practice wickets situated on either side of the main square. No team will be permitted to utilize the practice wicket designated for their opposing team. Let us take a closer look at the guidelines that the BCCI has issued to the team managers.

BCCI Issues New Guidelines for IPL 2026

No “open net” sessions will be permitted.

If a team’s practice session concludes early, the other team will not be permitted to use that specific pitch for their own practice.

No fitness tests are to be conducted on the main square on match days.

Even on practice days, players must travel to the stadium in their designated team bus. Teams may arrive at the stadium in two separate batches.

Players must travel with the team, separate from their family members. If a player’s family members or friends are present, they may travel in a separate vehicle and watch the team’s practice session from the hospitality area.

No practice sessions will be permitted on match days.

Match-Day Regulations

Staff members accredited for the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) are required to carry their accreditation cards on match days. A warning will be issued for the first instance of failing to produce the accreditation. For a second offense, a monetary fine will be imposed on the team.

Despite the provision of hitting nets, players are not permitted to hit shots into the LED screens/boards.

Players and support staff must not sit directly in front of the LED boards. The sponsorship team will mark a designated area on the field of play where substitute players, carrying towels and water bottles, may sit.

Players are required to wear the Orange and Purple Caps; they must wear them for at least the first two overs to ensure they are visible during the broadcast.

Wearing floppy hats or sleeveless jerseys is not permitted during the post-match presentation ceremony. A first-time violation will result in a warning, while a second violation will incur a monetary fine.

On match days—consistent with the regulations for IPL 2025—only 12 accredited support staff members, including the team doctor, will be permitted.