Board of Control for Cricket in India has made IPL 2026 much stricter by adding new IPL rules on training, match days, and team behaviour. These rules build on earlier guidelines and now clearly control how teams prepare and operate during the season.
One big change is that teams are not allowed to practice on match days at all. Open nets are also banned, and even if one team finishes practice early, the other team cannot use their wickets. Each team will get limited practice space, usually two nets and one side wicket for hitting.
The rules also control who can be present during practice. Only officially approved staff can enter the ground or dressing room. The family members and friends are not allowed in these areas and must stay in separate viewing sections. The teams also need to submit names of extra staff like net bowlers for approval before they can join.
Travel and discipline rules have also been tightened. Players must use the team bus to come for practice, and all staff must carry proper accreditation on match days or face warnings and fines. Only 12 support staff members, including the team doctor, are allowed on match days.
There are also rules about behaviour on the field. Players have been told not to hit balls into LED advertising boards and not to sit in front of them. Even small things like wearing the orange and purple caps during matches are being monitored, especially for broadcast.
Presentation rules have also been tightened. Now, players cannot wear sleeveless jerseys or casual clothing during post-match presentations. If these rules are broken, it can lead to fines. The teams also need to inform the league in advance if there are any changes in jersey numbers.
New IPL Rules: What are the IPL 2026 Match-Day Changes ?
The biggest change is that teams are not allowed to practice at all on match days. This rule applies to every game. The main reason is to protect the pitch so it stays in good condition for the actual match. Former player Aakash Chopra pointed out that this also stops teams from making last-minute adjustments based on pitch conditions.
Practice facilities are also tightly controlled. Each team gets only two nets for training and one side wicket on the main square for range hitting. If both teams are training at the same time, they get equal access with two wickets each. Open nets are not allowed anymore, and teams cannot use the other team’s practice area.
These rules are mainly to keep things fair. It is to make sure no team gets extra advantage from using better or more practice surfaces.
Impact Player Rule Debate Continues in IPL as Top Players Raise Concerns
The Impact Player rule in the IPL is still a big talking point. It was introduced in 2023 and will continue till at least 2027. The rule allows teams to substitute one player during a match, which basically turns it into a 12-player game instead of the usual 11.
Axar Patel has openly said he doesn’t like this rule, mainly because he is an all-rounder. Earlier, teams depended on all-rounders to balance both batting and bowling, but now they can just swap in a specialist player when needed.
Rohit Sharma also shared a similar view, saying the rule takes something away from the game. He pointed out that cricket is meant to be played by 11 players. He said adding a substitute just for extra entertainment changes the balance.
Players like Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni have also shown concerns. Dhoni feels the IPL was already strong as a tournament and didn’t really need extra changes to make it more exciting.
FAQs
Q. Who made IPL 2026 stricter with new changes?
A. Board of Control for Cricket in India introduced the stricter rules.
Q. Can teams practice on match days in IPL 2026?
A. No, teams are not allowed to practice at all on match days.
Q. How much practice space does each team get?
A. Each team gets two nets and one side wicket for hitting.
Q. Why are these changes made in IPL 2026?
A. They are mainly to keep things fair and protect the pitch for matches.
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