IPL 2026: BCCI issues new guidelines, no practice sessions on match days

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an addendum outlining a fresh set of guidelines ahead of the season, including a directive that no practice sessions will be permitted on match days.

The board has also introduced a separate arrangement at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where teams will be allotted two practice wickets each on either side of the main square. As previously reported, no team will be allowed to use the practice wickets assigned to their opposition.

Continuing the norm from recent years, teams are not permitted to conduct fitness tests on the main square on match days. Additionally, players are required to travel to the stadium on the team bus during practice days, while family members and friends must use separate vehicles.

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The following are the additional guidelines sent to the team managers recently:

• 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.

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Match Day guidelines

• It is mandatory for PMOA accredited staff bring their accreditation on match day. On the first instance failure of not carrying the accreditation, warning will be issued. On second instance, monetary fine will be issued to the team.
• Despite providing hitting nets, player keep hitting on the LED boards. We request teams to adhere to it.
• Players and support staff not to sit in front of the LED boards. The sponsorship team will mark places across the FOP where substitutes carrying towels and water bottles can be seated.
• Players to wear orange and purple caps. In case where players do not wear caps, we request players to wear for the first two overs till broadcast captures it.
• In the post-match presentation, floppies and sleeveless jerseys are not allowed. Failure to do so will result in warning on the first instance. On the second instance, there will be a financial penalty.
• On match days, similar to IPL 2025 season, only 12 accredited support staff will be permitted which includes team doctor.

Jersey Number

• In case of change in jersey numbers, please inform 24 hours in advance as mentioned in clothing & equipment guidelines