The Board of Control for Cricket in India has introduced a set of updated playing conditions for the upcoming Indian Premier League season, placing new restrictions on the movement of squad members during matches.
Under the revised guidelines, team managements have been instructed that no more than 16 members of a squad will be permitted to enter the field of play or move within the designated area between the boundary line and the LED advertising boards during a match.
Restrictions on Squad Movement
An IPL squad typically comprises 25 players, of whom 16 are named in the official team sheet for a match—consisting of the playing XI and five designated impact substitutes. As per the new rules, only these 16 players will be allowed to move freely on the field or perform duties such as carrying drinks or conveying messages to on-field players.
The remaining squad members, who are not part of the match-day 16, will be required to remain within the dugout and will no longer be permitted to move along the boundary line or assist players during the game.
According to sources cited by Cricbuzz, team officials were recently informed of the changes, with strict instructions limiting on-field access and movement to the designated group of players.
Part of Broader Regulatory Updates
The move is part of a broader set of reforms introduced by the BCCI ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Among the key changes is the expansion of the Anti-Discrimination Code, which will now remain applicable to players and match officials for a period of three months after the conclusion of their contracts. Violations during this extended window could result in penalties ranging from a four-match suspension to a lifetime ban.
Clarification on DRS Protocols
The board has also clarified protocols surrounding the Decision Review System (DRS). There will be no automatic secondary checks during reviews unless specifically requested. For example, if a fielding side challenges a “not out” decision for a caught-behind, the television umpire will not examine a potential wide delivery unless it is explicitly part of the review request.
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