MUMBAI, MARCH 24, 2026 — IPL) just days away, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a sWith the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (et of stringent new guidelines for all ten franchises. The rules, aimed at professionalizing match-day operations and preserving pitch quality, come as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to host Sunrisers Hyderabad in the season opener on March 28.
Strict Ban on Match-Day Practice
In a significant shift to protect the playing surface, the BCCI has implemented a total ban on practice sessions at the match venue on the day of the game.
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Pitch Preservation: No net sessions, range-hitting, or fitness tests are permitted on the main square on match days.
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Facility Allocation: Teams will be allotted specific nets and side wickets for practice on non-match days. At venues like Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, strict separation protocols are in place to ensure teams do not use their opponents’ assigned areas.
Logistics and Family Protocols
The Board has also tightened rules regarding team travel and the presence of players’ families to maintain a high-performance environment:
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Mandatory Team Bus: All players and support staff must travel to the stadium exclusively via the official team bus.
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Family Boundaries: While families are welcome at the stadium, they are strictly prohibited from entering the field of play or the dugouts during training sessions. They are required to stay within designated hospitality areas
Enforcement of “Brand Discipline”
To ensure a uniform look for the global broadcast, the BCCI is introducing a “two-strike” penalty system for attire and equipment violations:
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Cap Protocols: Orange and Purple Cap holders are now mandated to wear their caps during the match. If a player finds it uncomfortable while bowling or batting, they must still wear it for at least the first two overs of the game.
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Dress Code: “Floppies” (wide-brimmed sun hats) and sleeveless training gear are officially banned during the televised post-match presentation ceremonies.
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Fines for Violations: While the first instance of a dress-code breach will result in a warning, subsequent violations will attract significant monetary fines.
Countdown to the Opener
The 2026 season kicks off this Saturday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. After their historic maiden title win in 2025, Virat Kohli and the RCB squad are looking to start their defense strong against a revamped Sunrisers Hyderabad side.
