New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued updated guidelines for all 10 franchises ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The 19th edition of the tournament will start on March 28, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
According to a Cricbuzz report, the board had previously directed all the franchises that an IPL team cannot train on the same surface that was used by the opponent during their net session. The BCCI also directed that both teams should be provided with fresh pitches if they practice consecutively.
Updated guidelines for IPL 2026
In the updated guidelines published by Cricbuzz, no practice session will be allowed on match days. The open nets will not be allowed, and the teams will get 2 net sessions in the practice area and one of side wickets on the main square for the range hitting.
The fitness test will not take place on the match day on the main square. During the practice sessions, only accredited staff will be allowed in the dressing room and on the field of play.
The family members and friends of all the players will travel in a different vehicle and are allowed to watch team practice from the hospitality area. Players coming for the practice session will only allowed to travel in the team bus. The BCCI also restricted players and support staff from sitting in front of the LED boards.
The sponsorship team will mark the places across the Field of Play (FOP) where substitutes can be seated. The players will have to wear orange and purple caps in the match. In any case where players do not wear caps, the board requested them to it for the initial two overs until the broadcast captures it.
Floppies and sleeveless jerseys are not allowed in the post-match presentation, and players will be given a warning if they fail to follow the guidelines. On the second occasion, there will be a financial penalty. On the match days. only 12 12 accredited support staff will be allowed, including the team doctor. In case of a change in jersey numbers, the board needed to be informed 24 hours in advance.