BCCI Launches New Rule In IPL 2026

BCCI Launches New Rule In IPL 2026 (Source: AP Photos)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday made a significant announcement regarding IPL 2026 that sent shockwaves.

The board made a new rule for all 10 IPL teams after having a discussion with the board members, as well as the IPL governing body management.

The newly-introduced rule will impact many players across all the teams, as India's cricket governing body wants to be strict with policies regarding IPL 2026.

BCCI Bars All Non-Participating IPL Players

The BCCI will not entertain any players moving around the field or carrying the drinks during time-outs if they are not part of the match-day squad. If a player wants to be around the boundary rope or wants to enter the field during the breaks, he must at least be included among the impact substitutes.

As a team can have a maximum of five impact substitutes for a single IPL 2026 match, only 16 players can be on the field at any given time. The new rule made by the BCCI has been communicated to all 10 IPL teams.

"Instructions have been passed to us only recently that all substitutes cannot move around during the match. They are also not allowed to carry drinks onto the field. Only the 16 named in the team for the match can do so," multiple team sources confirmed Cricbuzz.

"In addition to that, only five outside the playing XI can move around. The others can sit in the dugout, but cannot move between the boundary line and LED advertising boards," the report further added.

Also Read: Varun Chakaravarthy’s IPL 2026 Participation In Doubt For KKR vs LSG Clash

Why Has The BCCI Introduced The New Rule?

Even though the actual reason behind the BCCI's introduction of the new rule for IPL 2026 is yet to be officially announced, it can be assumed that the board wants to avoid unnecessary interruptions when the matches are going on.

Moreover, the latest rule has also added to the Match Playing Conditions (MPC), which was earlier given to all 10 IPL team managements.

Was There Any Other Rule By BCCI Related To This?

Important to mention that there were two clauses in MPC – 11.5.2 and 24.1.4 for IPL 2026.

They read, “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." (11.5.2)

"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)." (24.1.4)

So far, 13 matches have been completed in IPL 2026, and the rule should implement from Match 14 onwards, which is currently ongoing between Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals.

Also Read: Arun Jaitley Stadium Delhi Pitch Report, Weather Report For DC vs GT, Match 14, IPL 2026