The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced stricter regulations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. These new rules primarily concern the presence of family members in team areas and travel arrangements for players.
Key Changes in IPL Rules:
Family Access Restrictions
A significant change is the restriction on family members of players and support staff. They are now prohibited from entering dressing rooms, even on practice days. This rule extends to both pre-tournament practice sessions and during the tournament itself. While families are welcome to watch practice from hospitality areas, they must travel separately from the team.
Mandatory Team Bus Travel
Another key regulation mandates that all players must use the team bus for travel, especially when going for practice. This rule, already enforced for Team India during international matches, aims to maintain team unity and discipline. Teams are allowed to use two buses if needed.
Practice Session Guidelines
The BCCI has also outlined specific rules for practice sessions during the tournament:
- Teams will be allocated two nets in the practice area and one side wicket on the main square for range hitting. In Mumbai, if both teams practice simultaneously, they will each receive two wickets.
- Open net sessions are not permitted.
- If a team finishes practice early, the other team cannot use the vacated wickets for additional practice.
- No practice is allowed on match days.
- Fitness tests are not allowed on the main square on match days.
- Only accredited staff can access dressing rooms and the field of play on practice days.
Match Day Protocols
New protocols are also in place for match days:
- Accredited staff must carry their accreditation on match days. Failure to do so will result in warnings and potential fines.
- Teams are requested to prevent players from hitting balls onto LED boards around the field.
- Players and support staff are not allowed to sit in front of LED boards. Designated seating areas will be marked for substitutes.
- Players are required to wear Orange and Purple Caps, ideally for at least the first two overs for broadcast visibility.
- Sleeveless jerseys and flip-flops are prohibited during post-match presentation ceremonies. Violations will lead to warnings and fines.
- Similar to the previous season, only 12 accredited support staff, including the team doctor, are allowed on match days.
Jersey Number Changes
For any changes in jersey numbers, teams must inform the BCCI 24 hours in advance, as per clothing and equipment guidelines.
To further clarify these rules, the BCCI is holding an in-person meeting with all team captains on March 20th in Mumbai, prior to the IPL season commencing in Kolkata on March 22nd.
