BCCI Afraid Of Match Fixing In IPL 2026? Unbreakable Rules, Tremendous Format Issued

BCCI releases fresh set of rules before IPL 2026 [Source: AFP]

Days before the start of the IPL 2026, the BCCI has issued a fresh set of guidelines for the players and the support staff. The IPL governing body had released guidelines for practice schedules on March 12, and now, the board has issued another set of rules which all IPL teams must follow, and failing to do so could lead to punishment.

Over the last few IPL seasons, the board has altered its rules and regulations, but this season, the IPL council has been more serious, and some tough rules have been put into place before IPL 2026 commences on March 28 in Bengaluru.

Fresh set of rules introduced by the BCCI before IPL 2026

As reported by Cricbuzz, no practice sessions will be permitted on match days. The BCCI has made special arrangements at the Wankhede Stadium, where two practice wickets- each on the side of the main strip will be allotted to the teams.

Also, no team will use the practice pitches, allotted to the opposition team, a rule that all IPL sides must adhere to.

The board wants the two teams not to come in direct contact with each other on match days, and match-fixing in the IPL is reportedly one of the main reasons why such rules are laid down.

BCCI reportedly afraid of match-fixing as new guidelines come in place

IPL is the biggest T20 league in the world, with a lot of money involved. Even though, in recent years, no cases of match-fixing have been reported, the BCCI is always careful about such situations.

All the franchises have reportedly been advised not to indulge in conversations with their opponents on match days, which indicates that the board is careful about every move that the franchise makes.

(Note: Players are also required to travel to the stadium on the team bus and separately from their family members on practice days. Family and friends can go to the venue in separate vehicles).

This move has been placed, keeping in mind any suspicious activity that takes place in IPL.

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Other major guidelines laid down by IPL governing body

1. 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 (Mumbai Indians home), if both the teams are practicing at the same time, teams will get 2 wickets each.

2. No open nets will be allowed.

3. If one of the teams finishes their practice early, other team is not allowed to use the wickets for their practice.

4. No fitness test will take place on the Match Day on the main square. For example, in the IPL 2026 opener between SRH and RCB, the two teams cannot have their players run, or give fitness test on the surface where the match will be played.

5. 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 to travel in a different vehicle and can watch team practice from the hospitality area. For extended support staff ( throw down specialist/net bowlers) list need to be submitted for approval to BCCI. Once approved, non- match day accreditations will be issued for the same.

6 Players to use the team bus while coming for practice. Teams may travel in two batches.

7. No practice will be allowed on Match days.

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