Big change in IPL: BCCI restricts benched players, tightens match rules
Published - 08 Apr 2026, 08:48 PM
Table of Contents
The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 have already entered its matchweek three, with Delhi Capitals (DC) hosting Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Arun Jaitely Stadium. During the match, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have introduced a new rule in the IPL. The BCCI has ruled that all the benched players are not allowed to move around the ground during a match.
Other than the player movement rule, there have been two new rules, as extra players are also not permitted to enter the field unless they are listed in the 16 named by the management in the team sheet. This is the latest revision to the match playing conditions (MPC) that were earlier shared with the teams.
IPL imposes new rules
The reason for the introduction of the new rules is unknown. However, the BCCI and IPL management have informed the team managers that substitute players who are not among the chosen 16 are not allowed to enter the field with beverages, bats, gloves, or any kind of messages from the dugout. The latest ruling is a tightening of a couple of relevant existing clauses in the MPC - 11.5.2 and 24.1.4.
Clause 11.5.2 of the Playing Conditions reads, "An individual player may be given a drink either on the boundary edge or at the fall of a wicket, on the field, provided that no playing time is wasted. No other drinks shall be taken onto the field without the permission of the umpires."
"Any player taking drinks onto the field shall be dressed in proper cricket attire (subject to the wearing of bibs) - refer to the note in clause."
Substitute fielders shall be required to wear a team training bib- BCCI
The 24.1.4 clause says, "Squad members of the fielding or batting team who are not playing in the match and who are not acting as substitute fielders shall be required to wear a team training bib whilst on the playing area (including the area between the boundary and the perimeter fencing)."
Previously, during the captain’s meet in the IPL, the umpire panel head Nitin Menon and head of match referee Javagal Srinath informed the captains about fielder movement before and after completing a catch. In the meeting, all 10 captains were informed that the fielder must have complete control of the ball and his body before the catch is considered complete and celebrations begin.
Impact player to stay
In that meeting, it was also informed that the Impact Player rule was set to stay for another two seasons, despite many captains having voiced their disagreement with this rule, and it will be reviewed after the 2027 season.
Coming to the 14th match of the season, as GT are cruising after being invited to bat first, Jos Buttler started the aggressive batting, then it was taken by Shubman Gill and Washington Sundar. DC have won two consecutive matches, and GT are yet to open their account in this IPL.
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