The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a significant decision to strengthen discipline during IPL 2026 matches. According to the new rule, all additional players sitting on the bench will no longer be allowed to move freely around the field during the game.
The board clarified that only those players who are included in the official team sheet as 'designated 16 players' by the team management will be allowed to enter the field to bring drinks, bats, or messages. Players not on this list are completely prohibited from entering the field. Under the new guidelines, the number of players allowed to remain between the boundary rope and LED advertising boards has also been limited.
At any time, no more than five players wearing bibs can be near the boundary. These five players can be deployed to bring drinks or retrieve balls that have gone over the boundary, while the remaining players must remain confined to the dugout. The BCCI has issued these directives to enforce clauses 11.5.2 and 24.1.4 of the Match Playing Conditions (MPC) more strictly.
It is believed that the BCCI has taken this step to ensure the smooth conduct of matches and to prevent unnecessary activities. This rule has been implemented with immediate effect after the completion of 13 matches in IPL 2026, and its impact will be seen in the upcoming match between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans.
Although the official reason is not yet clear, this decision may affect teams' on-field communication and strategy. The board's main objective is to maintain order on the field during the game and to prevent wastage of time.
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