BCCI bans teams’ practice on match days:Players barred from wearing sleeveless jerseys in post-match presentation

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued new guidelines for IPL 2026. According to these, no team will be able to practice on match days. Also, there will be no fitness test for players on match days in the main square. Furthermore, information about changing jersey numbers must be given 24 hours in advance, and only staff will be allowed entry into the dressing room. The IPL will start from 28 March. The first match will be played between defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. BCCI released the schedule for the first phase of IPL 2026 on 11 March. Teams cannot use opposition’s nets The BCCI has said that no team will be permitted to use the practice wicket that has been kept for the opposition. However, separate arrangements have been made for the teams at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where there would be two practice wickets for the teams on either side of the main pitch. Each team will be given two nets in the practice area and one side wicket on the main square. In Mumbai, if both teams practice simultaneously, they will be given two wickets each. Open nets will not be allowed, to keep practice organised. Also, if a team finishes its practice early, the other team will not be able to use its wicket. The most important rule is that any kind of practice will be completely prohibited on the match day. No fitness test on match day on main square No fitness test of any kind will be conducted on the main square on match day. Players will have to come for practice only by team bus, although if needed, they can be brought in two batches. Players’ families and friends will come in separate vehicles and will only be able to watch practice from the hospitality area. Only authorised staff will be allowed entry into the dressing room and on the field, to maintain security and discipline. Staff must carry accreditation cards On match day, it will be mandatory for all authorised staff to carry their accreditation cards or else a fine will be imposed. Players have been advised to avoid sitting near the LED board or hitting the ball. Under broadcast regulations, it will be mandatory to wear the Orange and Purple Caps in the initial overs. Additionally, sleeveless jerseys or floppy hats will not be allowed during post-match presentations. On match day, only 12 support staff (including the doctor) will be allowed to stay with the team. Also read: Rejuvenated Rohit, firing Bumrah; 4 T20 WC-winning stars in XI: Can Mumbai Indians win a record sixth title? MI SWOT analysis Information on changing jersey numbers must be provided Teams must inform about any changes to their players’ jersey numbers at least 24 hours in advance. The objective of all these new rules is to maintain discipline during the match and ensure fair conditions for all teams.