In line with its stringent policy regarding regulations for Team India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented new rules for the Indian Premier League. These regulations mandate that players must travel exclusively in the team bus and prohibit the entry of family members and friends into the player and match officials area (PMOA) prior to and during IPL matches. The BCCI announced that these changes will take effect for this year's IPL season, commencing on March 22 in Kolkata, where the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, will face off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

All ten franchises have been informed of the new regulations through email correspondence (HT has access to the document). The rules were established following a meeting with team managers held last month.

The BCCI specified that only "accredited staff" will be permitted in the PMOA, and the families and friends of players must travel separately. Those wishing to observe player practices will be required to do so from the hospitality box.

The following are some of the changes being implemented this year:

Practice during tournament

1. Teams will have access to two nets in the practice area and one of the side wickets on the main square for range hitting. At the Mumbai venue, if both teams are practicing simultaneously, each team will be allocated two wickets.

2. Open nets are prohibited.

3. Should one team complete their practice session ahead of schedule, the other team will not be permitted to utilize the wickets for their own practice.

4. No practice sessions will be conducted on Match days.

5. Fitness tests will not be conducted on Match Day on the main square.

6. During practice days, both in the pre-tournament and tournament phases, only accredited personnel are permitted in the dressing room and on the field. Family members and friends of players must travel separately and may observe team practice from the hospitality area. A list of extended support staff, including throw down specialists and net bowlers, must be submitted for approval to the BCCI. Upon approval, non-match day accreditations will be issued.

7. Players are required to use the team bus for transportation to practice. Teams may travel in two separate groups.

8. The Venue Manager will serve as the point of contact for any requests related to practice or fitness tests on Match days.

Match Day Regulations

1. It is essential for PMOA accredited personnel to present their accreditation on match day. A warning will be issued for the first instance of failing to carry the accreditation. A monetary penalty will be imposed on the team for any subsequent occurrences.

2. Although hitting nets are provided, players continue to strike the LED boards. We kindly ask teams to comply with this regulation.

3. Players and support staff are prohibited from sitting in front of the LED boards. The sponsorship team will designate specific areas across the field of play for substitutes carrying towels and water bottles to be seated.

4. Players are required to wear the Orange and Purple Cap. In instances where players do not wear the caps, we request that they do so for the first two overs until the broadcast captures it.

5. During the post-match presentation, floppies and sleeveless jerseys are not permitted. A warning will be issued for the first violation, while a financial penalty will follow for any subsequent violations.

6. On match days, in accordance with the IPL 2024 season, only 12 accredited support staff members, including the team doctor, will be allowed.

Jersey Number

1. Should there be any changes to jersey numbers, please notify us 24 hours in advance as outlined in the clothing and equipment guidelines.

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