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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a big change in the rules for IPL 2026. The board members and IPL governing body reached the decision after they held their discussions.

 

All 10 teams received the new rule which will impact numerous players existing in their rosters. The rule establishes who is allowed to be present on the field during matches.

 

Only Selected Players Allowed On Field

 

According to the new rule, players who are not part of the match-day squad will face restrictions on their ability to move throughout the playing area. The players must remain on the bench during breaks and time-outs because they need to stay in their designated areas.

 

The field area can only be accessed by players who either belong to the playing XI or who have been designated as impact substitutes. The match will permit 16 players to approach the field because each team can designate five impact substitutes.

 

The report confirmed how strict the rule is:

 

"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."

 

the report further added:

 

"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."

 

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Reason Behind The New Rule

 

The BCCI has not officially shared the exact reason for this change. The board requires this change because they want to maintain uninterrupted match streams. Excessive player movement across the field leads to game slowdown. This new rule will help maintain order through its straightforward approach.

 

The rule has now been added to the Match Playing Conditions (MPC), which are followed by all IPL teams.

 

Existing Rules Already Covered This Area

 

Some existing rules controlled player movement and drink handling at that time. The MPC was responsible for these two criteria because they existed under clauses 11.5.2 and 24.1.4.

 

The guidelines outlined the process for drink transportation while defining the proper conduct for non-playing personnel on the field.

 

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)

 

Rule To Be Applied From Ongoing Matches

 

IPL 2026 has already completed 13 matches up to this time. The new rule is expected to be applied from Match 14 onwards. The current match between Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals is likely to be the first where this rule is followed strictly.

 

The BCCIhas implemented this move to achieve better game control. Teams will now have to adjust quickly to this change.